Edwin David Heise was born in Garfield, Utah but there he did not stay. His influence has been felt throughout Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Germany where he briefly served in the United States Army. Remarkable man of service, Edwin has always been a help meet to all around him.
He was a man of many trades, having served in the military, worked on a mink farm, provided janitorial services, labored for Simplot, and been a wondrous sheep-farmer. Well depicted is he by his fond love for his sheep, which also reflected an image of his love for the Lord. Much like the Good Shepherd, David always labored with profound, quiet love for all those around him. He never yelled, criticized, nor spoke a harsh word. He was firm to his faith and his duty to man, committed and constant in all work that he did.
David met his sweetheart at a church dance in Utah, the one rare time both chose to attend. It was an answer to earnest prayer and seeking, a true love at first sight. Margret Gines stole his heart in her bright red dress, and three months later he would rarely ever again leave her side. Married happily for 61 and 1/2 years, they raised four beautiful children, Gary, Carrie, Darrell, and Shana. While Margret worked as a wonderful elementary teacher, David participated in his many vocations from Simplot to sheep herding. At one point in time the couple also ran a gas station and candy store. As a father, David was always the kindest of men. He always took time to listen and be with each child, loved to encourage their successes and always had them participate in good work. When it was bedtime, he would offer them a choice to be wrapped up as a taco, burrito, or a hot dog, bundle them up in one of Margret’s mats, and carry them all on upstairs.
Very devoted to his wife, David rarely liked to part from her side. He has been her companion through thick and thin, the passing of their beloved sons, and been a nurturing aid to Margret through battles of meningitis and multiple cancers. He loved to hold her hand, and always told others of his vast luck in robbing the cradle. He considered Margret with the utmost fidelity, loyalty, and love. To him, she was the most beautiful, talented, and wondrous being alive. She was so precious to him, he rarely could go without worrying about not being with her whenever she had to leave him for appointments or outings, even in the best of company.
His grandchildren remember him always working in his workshop at the old farmhouse in Buhl. He was always caring gently for his sheep, tending the chickens and the cats, calling each by name. Upon a break now and then, he loved to offer them puddings, or have them help pick the apricot tree.
David was a man of music. He loved to sing and had the most beautiful whistle of a bird. A great man of history, and poetry, he was full of knowledge of country and life, and always had an artful way to bring the beauties thereof to words. He was much like the psalmist, as his heart was always full of a profound witness of his God. Both his knowledge of the scriptures, doctrine, and prophets enabled him in service towards others and heightened his talents of music and poetry. Never boastful or prying, he used his knowledge and good listening to reach into the hearts of all he was able to serve. He was a constant minister to all those entrusted around him, and a neighbor and friend to any he saw. Many a cashier and nurse have enjoyed his company.
He is very loved and will be very missed by his family, as his memory and goodness survives through them.