03/01/2026
There were 600 chairs set up yesterday for Chip's memorial service and there were another 100+ people standing in the back. A great tribute to a special man. He was an ambassador for DU. He was an employee, volunteer and major donor.
Little did I know when I attended the Easton Waterfowl Festival last November that it would be the last time I saw my friend, Chip Heaps. I had the honor of presenting Chip and Patty with their Benefactors Roll of Honor plaque at one of our President's Council events. Also in the picture are Jake McPhearson, Managing Director of Region 6, and Chad Manlove, National Director of Development.
Chip was an awesome employee; he worked as a Regional Director and then as a Director of Development for a total of over 30 years with Ducks Unlimited. Upon retirement, Chip was still working for the ducks, but as a volunteer this time.
Thank you for your dedication to the mission, your commitment to your work, and for being a friend to so many. I'm blessed to have known you and will always hold a special place for you in my DU memories. God Bless, Patty and your family. Chip has truly left this conservation world a better place than when he found it.
