On July 24, 2021 Tooele lost a community member and the recovery community of Tooele lost one of it’s most outstanding and cherished long-time contributing members. John Anthony Heap, born Dec. 14, 1951, surrendered to his battle with cancer in the presence of friends and family at the Huntsman Institute.
John was born in Tooele, Utah, and also lived for a time in Layton, Utah, and Washington state. His careers included welding, honorable Army service and drug and alcohol counseling. John’s most notable life accomplishment was his personal recovery and his influence and example to those trying to recover. Throughout his 40+ years of personal sobriety John’s service, wisdom, and immense love of man blessed the lives of thousands of individuals who knew him. John could always be counted on to lift another, keep the door open and accept any commitment that might help another on their journey.
Though he will not take any more “moments” in this life we know he is free from pain and welcomed warmly to the big meeting in the sky. John will be missed greatly, but his message of hope, love, and recovery will be carried in the hearts of all those who knew him and passed on to anyone in need.
John was preceded in death by his father Ira Heap and mother Jane McCoy Heap and stepson Scott Rusk. He is survived by sons Chris and Xavier Heap as well as step-children Trina (Mike) Sheen, Tina Rusk and Torrence (Mia) Rusk; brothers Arnold (Ikuko), Patrick, and Alan Heap.
A celebration of life for John will be held at the Tooele Alano Club, 60 S. Main St., Tooele Utah, back of the building, Aug. 21, 2021, from 2 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution in John’s name to your local central office of Alcoholics Anonymous or to the General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous at AA World Services, PO Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163.