Miles Hecker

Miles Hecker died on October 7, 2013 at Villach, Austria while on a bicycle vacation with his wife, Nancy Patrick-Hecker. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 12, 1950. Miles chose a path which took him from the subways of New York City to the mountains of Wyoming. Even while in New York he was an avid photographer, climber, and backpacker. Moving to Laramie for graduate school and then to Casper, where he settled, he engaged fully in life, marrying Patty Shannon, raising their children, Jena and Katrina, and continued to expand his outdoor horizons with caving (including some record-breaking exploration). His circle of friends was ever-expanding throughout, faithful to the old and always open to the new. Miles was an interesting combination, part engineer and part artist. He held very firm to rationally-founded beliefs, which he'd strongly defend. He was a romantic at heart, taking great joy in nature, caring very deeply for family and friends. There could not have been a better friend, mentor, and husband than Miles. Miles graduated from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in 1971 with a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering. He received his M.Ed. in Science education from the University of Wyoming in 1973. His accolades included Scholastic Honors List (1968, 1970, and 1971), various top honors for his photography, and special recognition for outstanding contribution to the National Speleological Society. He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Nancy Patrick-Hecker and children, Jena of Falls Church, VA, Katrina of Goodyear, AZ, stepsons John Mather of Iowa, and Jeff (Lisa) Mather of Massachusetts. He is preceded in death by his parents Bernard Hecker and Lorraine Meyer Hecker. A celebration of Miles' life will be held at Bustard's Funeral Home 600 CY Avenue, Casper, Thursday, 10/17/13 at 11 AM. Cremation has taken place. Those wishing to make make a memorial contribution may do so to the Miles Hecker Scholarship Foundation at Reliant Federal Credit Union or a charity of the donors' choice.

Service

Thursday, October 17, 2013 11:00am

Bustard's Funeral Home

600 CY Avenue

Casper, Wyoming 82601