Williston ARC Pays Tribute to John Heise, ‘The Dagger,’ With Walking Track Dedication

At the Williston ARC, family, friends, and coworkers gathered to honor John Heise on a day marked by tears, laughs, and happy memories. The walking track was officially named after him in appreciation of his outstanding accomplishments, an appropriate tribute for a man affectionately referred to as "The Dagger." How far John traveled around the track that now bears his name is unknown.  While visiting with his wife, Margaret, and daughter Kristine, after the memory lap, they both said John would often go for a walk on the track to collect his thoughts, and maybe get some exercise too.

John served as the finance director for Parks & Recreation and provided his distinctive voice to our baseball games on KEYZ. He was a true pillar of the community. He left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of knowing him because of his dedication and love for his work, which was visible in everything he did.

Outside of his professional pursuits, John was a devoted family man and a true sports enthusiast. He found joy in announcing sports games, coaching aspiring athletes, playing golf, and embarking on fishing adventures. In recent years, he had taken on a new passion—supporting veterans and sharing their stories, a cause close to his heart.

Numerous people were affected by John Heise's presence and contagious attitude, and our town will never be the same. We will all deeply miss his smile, kind spirit, and unrelenting determination. We will keep him in mind while we stroll along the newly designated John Heise Walking Track. May his legacy serve as an inspiration for us all to live each day with the same enthusiasm and passion that he did. John, rest easy, and once again, many thanks.

Get our free mobile app