John M. Heffernan

John M. Heffernan, 69, passed away May 12, 2012 in Lafayette. He was born Feb.19, 1943 in Ft. Worth, TX. His parents, John W. Heffernan and Mary Reid Heffernan, raised him with his younger sister, Mary Ann, in Houston, TX. His parents died in the early '60's. He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Heffernan, who lives in Baytown, TX, as a Retired Emergency R.N. Also surviving him are his two daughters, Kelly Ann Higman and her two sons, Miles Briscoe Higman and Raymond Robert Higman as well as his younger daughter, Kathy Maurine Sharp. John retired from the City of Lafayette after 25 years of work at the Bonin Power Plant. John never met a stranger and had a very positive outlook toward all situations. He enjoyed and welcomed laughter at any moment and was a wonderful listener. He particularly enjoyed discussions regarding current politics and was extremely informed and opinionated in regard to the runnings of our government. John so enjoyed his computer, emails, and phone conversations with friends. He loved his "coffee times" with Velma Goutreaux, the "Love of his Life", and her family, daughter Cindy Breaux and grandson, Eddie. He often spoke of his treasured friends who lived across from his home, Gerald Hicks, and Carl Schell. He referred to them and Velma's family as "his family". He bragged to his sister about the "sense of belonging" they gave him, and how Gerald and Carl looked to him as a father figure. He truly loved them. John and his sister, Mary Ann, talked frequently by phone. She treasures his sentiments in an email he sent to her July 9, 2000: "Thanks for being an outstanding sister. No one else knows what we have been through. I just wanted to tell you I love you, and thanks for being there. Johnny Boy." His parents nicknamed him "Johnny Boy". He and his sister were always very close, and she will dearly miss him. John was always grateful to those who helped him, including but not limited to Terry Kelleher, Dennis Messier, Shirley Leger Bernard, Richard Dorrough, and Sadie's Mom. "Johnny Boy" and "Danny" Presser were close friends for John's entire life. They lived next door to each other as infants and toddlers and never lost contact with one another. They were true lifetime friends. Danny now lives in Monterey, California. Also dear to John's heart, since staying with John's family as an Exchange Student, is Stephane Ziolo of Paris, France. John often spoke of Stephane as very special, and as if he was John's "son". He truly loved him. They kept in touch frequently for many years. A favorite saying of John's, "Never Give Up", reflected the way he lived his life. He was, indeed, an inspiration to others and will be missed by many. A Memorial will be held for John at Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Dr., Lafayette, LA, on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice, or to the Lafayette Animal Aid, PO Box 298, Carencro, LA, 70520. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

John M. Heffernan

February 19, 1943 - May 12, 2012