Michigan waterways lost one of its biggest fans and greatest supporters, Denny Heck, of Charlevoix, Michigan, this past June.
Heck developed his passion for boating at an early age, when he began working for DeWitt Marine on Torch Lake during the summer. He later became owner of the 200-slip DeWitt Marine in 1972.
After Heck left DeWitt in 1978, he had the opportunity to develop a full-service powerboat marina on Charlevoix’s Round Lake. The business offered a wide range of boats, including Chris-Craft, Sea Ray, MerCruiser and Mercury outboards and a variety of trawlers. In 1981, Heck developed Northwest Marine Yacht Club on Lake Charlevoix. Most recently, he was an associate broker with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services in Charlevoix.
Heck recorded the first “dockominium” in the state of Michigan, working with state attorneys to develop the original “master deed” for boat dock sales. Heck’s company, US Coastal Development Company, not only developed Northwest Marine Yacht Club, but also Fairport West Yacht Club in Charlevoix, Duncan Bay Boat Club in Cheboygan, Michigan, and Prairie Harbor Yacht Club in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Eileen (Jancosek); three children, Kelly Shaw (Kelley); J.H. (Rachelle); Emily Rellinger (Brad); his five grandchildren Brody, Stella, Jace, Charlie and Vivian; and his three brothers Ed (Martha), Bill (Joyce) and Henry “Chick” (Barb).
A memorial fund has been established in honor of Heck, and memorial contributions may be sent to: The Denny Heck Memorial Fund, Hoffman CPA Firm, PLC, c/o Mr. Bob Hoffman, 108 Michigan Ave., Charlevoix, MI 49720.
Photo courtesy of the Heck family
