Pamala Jean "PJ" Heckman's Obituary
Pamala Jean “PJ” Heckman from Scappoose, Oregon, was surrounded by loved ones as she passed away peacefully on November 1, 2023. She was 76.
PJ was born in Detroit, Michigan, but spent a good part of her youth in Moses Lake and Castle Rock, Washington, as well as Portland, Oregon, before settling into her forever home of Scappoose, Oregon. At age 22, PJ met the love of her life, Tom Heckman, and began to build a family that included many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
PJ and Tom made a very early investment in life, by purchasing the family business, Warren Sand & Gravel (later becoming North Creek Sand & Gravel). They built a home on the nearby property and enjoyed sharing their business and resources with many in the local community. PJ’s notable accomplishments including became the first woman permit owner for dump trucks in Oregon and the first in Columbia county to recycle concrete and asphalt. In addition to the business at home, PJ and Tom spent years working alongside each other on the road. Not only did they both drive in the long-haul trucking industry, but PJ also started her own transportation company. Always looking out for the community, she assumed the role of Secretary of a regional trucking in the late 70s through the early 80s.
PJ and Tom loved to travel together for both work and pleasure. Disneyland, Hawaii, and Alaska were some favorite spots to frequent, as was their special vacation home away from home, Reno. She was an avid shopper- purses, shoes, clothing- always keeping an eye out for something that might bring delight.
PJ was very active in the activities of her children and grandchildren. Be it motocross or baseball, she always tried to attend special events. Her supportive and giving nature also extended beyond just family relations. PJ was known to provide housing, food, and training to family friends in the area or those who seemed down on their luck. She would offer whatever she could to help people get back on their feet.
Her nurturing nature will be missed by many in the community, as will be her presence on the porch drinking coffee while awaiting Tom’s return home for a welcoming kiss.
PJ is survived by her husband, Tom Heckman; son, Chuck Heckman (Lisa Heckman); daughters: Shantel McIntyre (James McIntyre) and Marcie Heckman; brother: Lenny Templin (Kerrie); sisters: Burnett Samples, Joni Smith, and Renea Templin; grandchildren: John Blake, Tony Blake, Maddie Stump, Erik Woodruff (Amanda), Mathew Stump, Nicole Woodruff, Lauren Heckman, and Jerrid Heckman; many nieces and nephews and 19 great-grandchildren. PJ was preceded in death by her father, Bob Hays; mother, Cora Templin; daughter, Gloria Blake; and infant child, Sergio.
There will be a viewing at Columbia Funeral Home in St. Helens, on November 11th, 2023, from 10:00-12:00pm. Family and friends are also invited to share in a Celebration of PJ’s Life at 4:00pm on November 11, 2023, at the Red Room (53829 West Lane Rd., Scappoose, OR 97056). The event is a potluck. Please contact Shantel or Lisa through facebook for any questions.
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