Chris Heighway

Christopher Lee Heighway, age 39 years of Niles, Michigan died unexpectedly at 7:28 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 with his wife at his side at Lakeland Hospital – Niles. His family is working with the Gift of Life to enhance and extend the lives of others through tissue donation.

He was born on September 2, 1977 in Niles to Roberta Leona Heighway. He was graduated from Niles High School, and began a career with the United States Army. He served as an Information Systems Operator and Analyst, usually at foreign stations, and was honorably discharged after ten years as a Staff Sergeant with an extensive list of decorations and medals, some with multiple awards. He continued his career in Information Technology as a Senior Network Engineer at the Interlink Group in South Bend, Indiana.

Chris was a member of the First Baptist Church of Niles where he served on the worship team playing the drums. He managed to connect with friends for musical jam sessions even overseas, often using a church or motorpool garage as a makeshift studio. Music was his passion and gave him an outlet through every season of his life. He shared the love of music with his children, often playing the drums at home to accompany songs that his children introduced to him, and sharing his old favorites as well. He also shared his interest in technology with his family and friends. He enjoyed playful banter and sharing laughter with friends and family; and enjoyed cooking for others - always ready for a blind taste test.

He strove to be the best, and gave his all. He passed this value to his children.

On November 1, 1996 in Niles he married his high school sweetheart, the former Bridget Marie Sater with whom he set-off to travel the world, grow intellectually and spiritually, and create the family he had always spoken of.

Surviving family includes his wife, Bridget Heighway and children Brody Mason Heighway, Caleb Grant Heighway, Trinity Grace Heighway, Kadence Louise Heighway, Lillian Marie Justis, and Vadalie Annette Heighway; Chris’ mother, Roberta Heighway of Niles and his brother, Isiah (& Jamie) Heighway of Berrien Springs, Michigan; Bridget’s parents, Nanette (& Ron) Stuglik of Niles and Ralph Sater of Niles; Bridget’s sisters, Colleen (& Jason) Sater-Barkman and Angie Sater, and step-brothers, Dan Stuglik and Eric Stuglik; and a wonderful circle of great friends.

Chris was preceded in death last August by his grandmother, Glenda Heighway, who raised him through his teenage years.

The funeral service for Chris Heighway will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 10, 2017 at the First Baptist Church of Niles with Pastor Mark Youngberg of the church officiating, assisted by Pastor Jim Wing. Committal will follow at Sumnerville Cemetery and will conclude with the Full Military Honors by the United States Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan, Michigan.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles.