RIP Doug Heitkamp

[Mike Trent]

Sorry to report that Joe Crea notified me today of the passing of our friend Doug Heitkamp last night possibly from Lung Cancer.

[Jeff Young]

Oh, no, such sad news.  

[Chris Walker]

That news has taken the shine off today.  

Looking back to better days; the late Bob Stull and Doug documenting the Federal Mine Outhouse in August '97.


RIP Doug.

[Keith Hayes]

Sad news indeed!

[Don Peterson]

I spent time with Doug at the convention and he seemed so optimistic that he had turned the corner. I am stunned! We have lost one of the good ones! Rest in Peace Doug. We’ll miss you.

Don Peterson

[South Park]

Bummer ....

[Paul R.]

All the good ones go too soon.

[Tim Schreiner]

Sad to hear this. I don't think I ever met him, but was very well familiar with his interests, and his great kits he manufactured.

[pizlinard72]

I am very sorry to hear this. What a loss to his family and community.
I got in contact with him earlier this year taking over his 72. We had a very nice exchange where he also mentioned his treatment. I hoped he would get better…
All green signals ahead Doug

[Jim Courtney]

What a tragic loss to the C&S community!

I only met Doug once, at the NNG convention in Denver, back in 2017. A very friendly fellow!

But over the past 7-8 years, Doug and I have exchanged emails on occasion. He was always helpful in terms of sharing his knowledge of the prototype and photos from his collection. I'll remember Doug as a top-notch C&S model builder and historian . . .

[Rick Steele]

I went through a lot with Doug,

His family name was properly spelled Heitkamp.

He and I were part of the old C&S NG HS, way back when. We hit it off very well and we would call occassionally and spend an hour or two on the phone.

The last time that I saw him we went out to Archer to watch the 4014 return to Cheyenne and then went out to lunch, which was always a grand time.

He worked for Raytheon for many years and he would call from work and I would return the compliment when I got time away from the Railroad.

Doug also produced resin cast models in HO, S and O Scale under the name "Design Tech" which he later sold.

He was knocked down hard by COVID and almost died during the early part of the pandemic. Fortunately, I was able to see him once since then.

I will miss him.

Rick

[Mike Trent]

Thanks for the correction, Rick. My error.