HEIKKILA, Frank Lawrence (Larry)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, January 20, 2016 Frank Lawrence Heikkila, 77, passed away at his home in the Prescott Country Club on Jan. 17, 2016, after a courageous battle with brain melanoma. Larry, as he was called by family and friends, grew up in Lima, Ohio, and earned an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1961 and chose his commission in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served for three years. He married his childhood sweetheart Margo English in 1963, and eventually they re-located to the Virgin Islands. In St. Thomas, he taught math education at the University of the Virgin Islands for 30 years, earning the distinguished status of professor emeritus. He was an ardent devotee of numerous water activities including boating, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and spear fishing. He was an avid sports enthusiast and particularly enjoyed working with young people as a high school football referee. In 2006, he and Margo re-located to the Prescott area where they hoped there would be "no hurricanes." Besides his wife, Larry is survived by two sons, Erik L. Heikkila of St. Thomas and Kyle W. Heikkila of Salt Lake City, Utah; and four grandchildren. No immediate service is planned, but a Celebration of Life will take place in the spring. Arrangements entrusted to Sunrise Funeral Home. Information provided by survivors.