Christopher Heighway, of Niles

Published 10:33 am Friday, July 7, 2017

Sept. 2, 1977 — July 5, 2017

Christopher Lee Heighway, 39, of Niles, died unexpectedly at 7:28 a.m. 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 Sept. 2, 1977, in Niles, to Roberta Leona Heighway.

Christopher Heighway

He graduated from Niles High School, and began a career with the U.S. Army. He served as an information systems operator and analyst, usually at foreign stations, and was honorably discharged after 10 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 Interlink Group in South Bend, Indiana.

Chris was a member of 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 he enjoyed cooking for others — he was 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 Nov. 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; 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; his brother, Isiah (Jamie) Heighway of Berrien Springs; Bridget’s parents, Nanette (Ron) Stuglik of Niles and Ralph Sater of Niles; Bridget’s sisters, Colleen (Jason) Sater-Barkman and Angie Sater; stepbrothers Dan Stuglik and Eric Stuglik; and a wonderful circle of great friends.

A funeral service for Chris Heighway will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 10, 2017, at First Baptist Church of Niles, with Pastor Mark Youngberg of the church officiating assisted by Pastor Jim Wing. Committal will follow in Sumnerville Cemetery and will conclude with full military honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post 51 of Buchanan. The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 9, 2017, at Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles. halbritterfunerals.com