Cub Scout Pack 346 mourns loss of Mark Heider

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Mike Heider is pictured with his wife and sons: Danielle, Casey and Brody.

On October 16, 2015, Mark Heider passed away unexpectedly in his sleep. He leaves behind his wife of 13 years, Danielle and his boys, Casey and Brody. Mark was a father, family man, hiker, athlete, Scouter and mentor. All of us in Cub Scout Pack 346 have been deeply impacted by the loss of this great man.

In Scouting, boys are taught to Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace. These phrases encourage the boys to consider leaving the environment as they found it so others may enjoy it as well. However, the other principles taught in Scouting teach the boys to actually “Leave A Trace” and to be of service to the community. A pillar of these principles was Mark Heider.

Mark was a Boy Scout when he was a child and completed the rank of Eagle Scout. When his son Casey began Cub Scouting in 1st grade, Mark stepped up to be the Tiger Den Leader and continued to lead Casey’s Den until last spring when Casey and the other Den 1 Scouts completed their Arrow of Light and Bridge into Boy Scouts.

Mark’s younger son Brody is now a Tiger Scout and Mark continued this year to be an influence and support to the current leaders of Brody’s Den. Mark’s influence went well beyond the boys of Casey and Brody’s Dens. Mark’s energy and love of Scouting impacted all who met him in Pack 346.

Some of the words of parents of Scouts who have been touched by Mark are shared below:

“Not only was Mark Heider a dedicated fun leader to his pack, but he was also a mentor to our son in Scouting. Our son is looking forward to reading Mark’s letter in his Eagle tin when he becomes an Eagle Scout.”

“You were an amazing role model to my son. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you gave and did. Thank you for asking our son to be a part of Cub Scouts and thank you for all the wonderful memories we share in Cub Scouts. “

“Thank you for being the best Scout leader for my son”

“Scouting creates friendship and kinship between those who participate. Scouting lost an amazing spirit yesterday with the loss of Mark Heider. Mark was full of life and energy and led his Scouts to success and, more importantly, to friendships that will last a life time.”

“Mark was an amazing spirit with loads of energy and I’m a better person for knowing him.”

“Mark had a passion for life, Scouting and his beautiful family. A man to respect. Mark has been an involved mentor to all our boys, including mine, and took so much time with each of them. He has left a legacy in the investment he made in the future of our boys.”

“Just met a couple months ago, but immediately recognized his truly inspiring character. I was really looking forward to getting to know Mark better. Not only for his help with being a good Cub Scout leader, but because he’s one of those rare people I’ve met in life that inspires me to be a more outgoing, happier, friendlier, generally better person. I am truly saddened by his passing and feel a great loss.”

“Mark was an example to be emulated by Scouts of all ages, and was a pillar in Pack 346.”

As Danielle said when she spoke with me earlier this week, it will take a village now to help the family continue on without their father and husband.

The Pack is creating a Scout Fund to help Brody and Casey continue in Scouting. Donations can be sent directly to BSA Pack 346 at 31566 Railroad Canyon Rd., Ste. 2, PMB 308, Canyon Lake, CA 92587-9446. Please put Brody Heider Scout Fund in memo.

A GoFundMe was also set up to help Danielle with final expenses and other financial needs at www.gofundme.com/h36q2ex8.