1918-2007

Sugar Loaf–
Alan Kugel Heiligmann, 89, of Sugar Loaf, passed away Tuesday, Sep. 4, 2007 at his home.

Al, as everyone called him, was born on April 3, 1918 in Philadelphia, PA. Al was an engineering graduate of Temple University, Class of ‘41. He served in the US Navy from 1942-1944 and was part of the Berlin Airlift. He flew for American Export Airlines, American Overseas Airlines and was a pilot with Pan American Airways for 38 years before he retired.
A former resident of Dix Hills, Long Island, he and Betty made northern Michigan their home as Al used to call it “God’s Country”. The lake, the woods, Fishtown - the Leelanau Peninsula was his favorite place.

If you knew Al, then you know he was the best friend anyone could have. He had a dry sense of humor, always had a good joke and serious comments on politics of the world.

If you ever needed help, he was the first person there, you did not need to ask. A true Christian, God and his family were the center of his universe. He was incredibly generous and modest. In fact, he gave to more charitable organizations than his family knew existed.

Compassionate and selfless, he was devoted to his family. He was the best husband ever, the best father ever, the best friend ever and the best grandfather ever!
His passion was flying. On Tuesday evening, September 4, 2007 at 5:15PM Al took-off on his final flight.

* * * * * * * * * *

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.*

* * * * * * * * * *

Al, Boompa, as his grand-children called him, always gave a “thumbs up” at the end!

Alan Kugel Heiligmann is survived by his two daughters Lynne Heiligmann Alexander and Sherry Heiligmann Drybrough Langston and four grandchildren Casey Leigh Alexander and Michelle Nicole Alexander and Ralph M. Drybrough III and Andrew A. Luce Drybrough.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Betty, and a brother, Randall G. Heiligmann.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sep. 12, 2007 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. The Funeral Services will be held Thursday, Sep. 13, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Glen Arbor.
Contributions may be made in his memory to Fishtown Preservation Society, P.O. Box 721, Leland, MI 49654 and ShareCare, P.O. Box 153, Northport, MI 49670.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

*(Poem “High Flight” by John Gillespie Magee, Jr. – The author was a WW II pilot.)