Charles (Chaz) Thomas Heinritz

Charles (Charlie/Chaz) Thomas Heinritz, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on November 6, 2025 at the age of 69 after a 3+ year battle with brain cancer. Born in Appleton, Wisconsin to Gretchen and Bud Heinritz, Charlie grew up playing basketball and football and exploring the wilds of Wisconsin hunting, fishing, hiking and canoeing often with his brother Rick by his side. Many cherished memories were made at “The Farm,” his parents’ cabin, where family gatherings, laughter, and outdoor escapades became the foundation of his lifelong love of nature and craftsmanship. His curiosity for life carried him west to Denver, where he earned a business degree from Regis University, and then to Utah, where he found his true home.

Chaz spent many years skiing the deep powder in the Wasatch backcountry and at Alta and Snowbird.  It was in Little Cottonwood Canyon where he discovered both his spirit and calling. He worked at the Cliff Lodge and later as a private cook at Ben Hame in Alta. He met Amy North, who was selling a litter of Golden Retrievers from whom Charlie adopted his first Golden, Nebo. Together they raised two beautiful daughters, Laura (Kevin) and Molly. After he and Amy parted ways, fate brought him to Karen, his lifelong partner.

Karen and Charlie married on the summer road at Alta, a place that they mountain biked regularly. The two spent decades exploring the trails and back roads of the American West often accompanied by their loyal K9 companions Jackson, Telemark, and Kodiak. Charlie loved Alaska. He fished with his Dad and brother, always bringing home pounds of halibut and salmon.  He sailed the inland passage with his daughter and son-in-law and camped and hiked from Denali to Ketchikan. He and Karen cherished their travels to the Galapagos, England, Wales, Scotland and especially Iceland.

Charlie’s hands were rarely still and he was a master woodworker. For more than 30 years, he built custom kitchen cabinets and furniture that turned houses into homes. His own home stands as a testament to his creativity, it is filled with pieces shaped by his handiwork. There was nothing Charlie could not do, his skillfulness and confidence made him a “go to” guy when friends or neighbors needed help. He was a natural cook and found joy in growing vegetables and sharing the bounty from his garden with friends and neighbors.

Above all, Charlie was a devoted father. He read the Harry Potter series aloud to his daughters, bringing magic to life in their home. He took them on summer adventures and taught them to love the outdoors and the satisfaction of working with their hands as much as he did. His calm, steady kindness left an imprint on everyone lucky enough to know him.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Clarke Low of Intermountain Health, the team at Sequoia Hospice for their care and compassion in Charlie’s final days, and to all the friends and loved ones who surrounded him with support. A celebration of life will be held at Starks Funeral Parlor (www.starksfuneral.com) on November 17th from 6 to 8 pm. Donations in Charlie’s memory may be made to Save Our Canyons at www.saveourcanyons.org.