Robert Proulx, M.D Heaney

Robert Proulx Heaney, MD, died at his Omaha home at the age of 88. Dr. Heaney was a distinguished professor of medicine, world-renowned researcher in the field of bone biology and vitamin D, and the first holder of the John A. Creighton University Professorship at Creighton University. His long and productive professional life was centered at Creighton University and St. John's Church on the Creighton Campus. It was passion that drove Dr. Heaney in all he did. First, a passion for the sciences, where he looked for answers in nutrition and bone health. Second, a passion for scripture, as a frequent contributor to Creighton University's on-line "Daily Reflections." Finally, he was a deeply committed member of the Creighton community for 69 years, until his death. Born in Omaha in 1927, he attended Creighton Preparatory School, part of what is now Creighton Hall. He earned a BS in Chemistry (Magna Cum Laude) in 1947 from Creighton's College of Arts & Sciences and an MD from Creighton's School of Medicine in 1951. His post graduate education included internal medicine in St. Louis, an American Cancer Society research fellowship in Oklahoma City, and appointments at the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Medicine in Washington, DC. He returned to Creighton in 1957 as a faculty member and administrator, where he stayed for 55 years. He served as the first Vice President for Health Sciences, and was the inaugural holder of the John A. Creighton University Chair. He received the University's Lifetime Research Award in 2013. Dr. Heaney was preceded in death by his parents, Virginie L. and Clarence E. Heaney, his sisters Mary Lorette Heaney and Peggy Lou Langdon, and by Barbara Reardon Heaney, MD, his wife of 55 years. He is survived by their children (and spouses) Dr. Robert M. (Dr. Susan) Heaney, Marian Ghislaine Heaney, Barbara L. Heaney, Rachel A. (Dennis) Dowd, Margaret R. Heaney, Christopher J. (Mydge) Heaney, and Elizabeth J. (Steve) Ehrhardt. Survivors also include grandchildren: Mike, Greg, Clare, Sarah, Nick, Kate, John, Maggie, Stas, Janae, Rob, Seth, Aidan, and Emma; and great-grandchildren Seamus, Cora, and Katherine. Dr. Heaney is also survived by his brother, C.E. Heaney, Jr. and by his second wife of 8 years, Janet Barger Heaney, her son Jeffrey J. (Angela) Lux, and their children Morgan and Jack.



Services:

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, 10:00 am at the St. John Catholic Church on the Creighton University campus.



Interment:

Calvary Cemetery.



Visitation:

Visitation begins Tuesday 5:00 pm at the St. John Catholic Church with a Wake Service at 7:00 pm.