Robert Larry Heyer

Robert Larry Heyer, known to family and friends as Larry, passed away of natural causes at his home in Spokane, Wash., on Nov. 3, 2024, at the age of 82. He was born on January 9, 1942, in Pateros, Wash.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Robert Heyer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Vonna Heyer; his three children (and spouses), Kristen (David) Roestel, Tina Heyer, and RL (Kelsey) Heyer; and five cherished grandchildren, Madison (Blake) O'Bleness, Mackenzie (Kloie) Roestel, Indiana Heyer, Simon Heyer, and Lily Heyer. He is also survived by his siblings, Sharon (Ken) Chrisinger, Randy Heyer, and Debbie Cooper; and nieces, Brandie Butler and Lindsey Lamb. 

After graduating from Cheney High School in 1960, Larry dedicated his life to his Heavenly Father, Jehovah, serving Him wholeheartedly, first as a Congregation Servant and later as an elder. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, he took great joy in sharing his hope for the future and the importance of pleasing Jehovah God. He helped many to learn about his God, Jehovah, and His Kingdom. He was known on the job as "the deacon" because of his enthusiasm to share what he knew from the Bible that would help his workmates in their everyday life. Practically everyone he talked to wherever he went got to hear something about his faith. 

He was beloved by his congregation for his kindness, humility, and good sense of humor. Larry never met a stranger and was known for his compassion, always ready with a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand.

Larry married Vonna Marie Monson on Sept. 21, 1968, in Clarkston, Wash. His close friend and mentor, Everett Story, officiated. Their love story was written in the skies; when the drive to see Vonna took too long, Larry got his pilot's license and bought a plane, eventually proposing to her while soaring over the Pacific Northwest. He kept that plane until shortly after they married. Though he was famously late to his wedding, Vonna never doubted he would arrive. Together, they shared a lifetime of love and laughter, traveling widely in their early married years with the Green Company for Larry's work in road construction. They lived in places like Elko, Nevada; Alturas, California; and various parts of Washington and Idaho before settling in Cheney, Wash., where they raised their family.

Larry was a member of Mensa and the Operating Engineers of Washington Local 302. He built a career in road construction, later continuing to serve the industry by training and testing crane operators. Some of his proudest projects included removing the last stoplight on I-90 in Wallace, Idaho, and completing the highway to Lyons Ferry. He loved sharing stories of the roads he had worked on, often pointing out landmarks and details of construction as he drove through the Pacific Northwest. He especially enjoyed projects he worked on with his lifelong friend, Ronald Gepford, in Alaska, Hawaii, and beyond.

Having a deep thirst for learning with a passion for history and mechanics, Larry was known to read dictionaries cover to cover, and he loved tinkering with all kinds of machinery. His curiosity and enthusiasm inspired those around him, as he often said, "Why couldn't a guy just build something like that?"

He is deeply missed, especially his enduring positivity, and his reassurance that, "Everything will be alright. This, too, shall pass." 

A memorial for Larry will be held at the Cheney Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 3:00 pm. The family would love to receive hugs in person, but for those who are unable to make it to Cheney for his memorial, there will be a zoom link provided.