Donald Heinze

“My favorite wildflower is the one I am looking at!” (background) - Don Heinze

Donald (Don) Heinze, 85, passed away on August 16, 2023 in Albuquerque, NM. He was born on Long Island, NY, to parents Ernst and Herta Otten Heinze in 1937. Don was preceded in death by brother Ernest Heinze, sister Judy Heinze Vogue and step-son Damon Carella. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Linda (Spear Carella) Heinze, a step-grandson Brendan Carella and numerous special nieces and nephews.

Don earned a B.S. from Chico State College, Chico, CA and a Masters Degree from the University of Nevada with a major in Range Science. Shortly thereafter he began his career with the Bureau of Land Management as a Range Conservationist in Nevada, California, and Montana, and later as a botanist with the state BLM office in Billings, Montana. While in Billings, Montana he was the founder and first president of the Artemisia Chapter of the Montana Native Plant Society. Following retirement in 1995, Don continued his interest in botany by volunteering to lead Native Plant Society hikes, helping to restore natural habitats, and authoring numerous books and articles about native plants and invasive species in Oregon and New Mexico. 

Don was seldom without dogs and loved taking long walks with them. He and Linda enjoyed camping and exploring the natural world from Canada to Mexico and Western states in-between. 

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at the Unity Spiritual Center, 9800 Candelaria Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM, September 2, at 10:00 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Whitfield Wildlife Conservation Area, Belen, or Native Plant Society of New Mexico, or plant a tree in his memory.