David R. Heikkinen

David R. Heikkinen, 72, of Rindge died Tuesday August 14, 2007 after a long illness. He had lived in Rindge for the past 42 years.

Mr. Heikkinen was born in Fitchburg, MA on February 9, 1935, son of the late Maria Liisa Heikkinen. He was a 1954 graduate of Fitchburg High School and had lived on Cape Cod where he worked in landscaping before joining the Army.

Mr. Heikkinen had achieved the rank of Sergeant and served as a Paratrooper with the U.S. Army.

Mr. Heikkinen worked briefly at Franklin Pierce University when he moved to Rindge. He then went to work at Seppela and Aho in New Ipswich, NH in many different capacities.

He was very civic minded and enjoyed serving the town of Rindge on the Board of Selectmen, the Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment. Mr. Heikkinen was a strong supporter of the Rindge Fire and Rescue and the Rindge Police Department, as well as the Jaffrey-Rindge Memorial Ambulance Service.

He was a renowned marksman and enjoyed shooting handguns more than rifle or shotgun. He was an avid Cribbage player and loved caring for his yard and pool. He always looked forward to the winters spent in Florida. He had belonged to the C. W. Moore Masonic Lodge in Fitchburg and the Ashby Rod & Gun Club.

On July 18, 1958, he married Siri Burckhardt in Munich, Germany. She preceded him in death on October 11, 1997.

Mr. Heikkinen is survived by his daughter Liisa M. Macleod of Westfield, MA and his son John Heikkinen of Rindge, NH; his 4 grandchildren, Peter Laine, of Maine, and his best friend and neighbor Ruth Valimaki.

There will be no calling hours and services will be private and at the convenience of the family

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Heikkinen'™s name to the American Cancer Society, Northern New England Region, 2 Commerce Drive, Suite 110, Bedford, NH 03110, or the American Heart Association, 2 Wall Street, Manchester, NH 03101

The Cournoyer Funeral Home & Cremation Center is assisting the family with arrangements. To view Mr. Heikkinen'™s online memorial, please visit www.cournoyerfh.com