Gary E. Heiland

YORK- Gary E. Heiland, 89, crossed over God’s threshold on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at York Hospital surrounded by his family. He was the husband of the late Norma Jean (Jones) Heiland who passed away on January 1, 2022.

A celebration of life tribute service will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd., York with Pastor Joe Fauth officiating the service. Prior to the service, a viewing will be held from 3:00-4:00 PM. The service will be livestreamed around 4:00 PM on Gary’s obituary page at HeffnerCare.com.

Gary was born May 2, 1936 in West Manchester Twp., the son of the late John Mervin and Cora Ann (Trimmer) Heiland.

After graduating from West York High School, he went to work for Green’s Dairy and then to McKay Company. While at McKay, he was the key person who helped organize the McKay Federal Credit Union and later became the full time Treasurer/Manager of the then, Teledyne McKay Federal Credit Union. In 1974 he joined Cuna Mutual Insurance Society as an Account Executive, and retired after 24 years of service.

He served on the Board, and as President, of the York Chapter of Credit Unions and in 1971 was elected to the Board of the Pennsylvania Credit Union League, serving until 1974.

He attended York College. He also earned the professional designations of Certified Graphoanalyst (CGA), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC ) and Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE).

He was a member of the Association for Research and Enlightenment. The A.R.E. was founded by Edgar Cayce (1877–1945) in 1931 to research and explore subjects such as holistic health, ancient mysteries, personal spirituality, dreams and dream interpretation, intuition, philosophy and reincarnation. Gary was also a student of, A Course in Miracles; a universal non-denominational spiritual teaching on peace, love and forgiveness. He was also a railroad and train enthusiast, a.k.a., a “Railfan”, and was a regular contributor to the Preserving York Facebook page.

He was a member of the Red Lion Lodge #649, Free and Accepted Masons, the Harrisburg Consistory Scottish Rite, and the Zembo Shrine.

Gary is survived by two daughters, Sharon L. Good and husband, Richard, Jr. of Bloomsburg, and Brenda L. Hager and husband, Rob of York; a son, Gary E. Heiland, II and wife, Michelle of York; eight grandchildren, Christopher R. Good and wife, Janet, Michael D. Good and wife, Bethany, David A. Good and wife, Sara, Robert C. Hager, Cali E. Hager, Sarah J. Cook and husband, Josh, Andrew J. Heiland, and Emily G. Heiland; nine great grandchildren, Benjamin C.Z. Good, Samuel C. Good, Elizabeth N. Good, John R. Good, Rachel L. Good, Jackson J. Good, Zoey J. Good, Isla C.S. Good and Aselia V. Good; and sister Barbara Leona Gemmill of York. He was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters, Alice Louise Heiland, Pauline Agnes Baublitz, John Marvin Heiland, Jr., Verna Ann Haynes, Harry Henry Heiland, Bertha Jane Markle, Rufus Harlan Heiland, and Gene Calvin Heiland.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Association for Research & Enlightenment, 215 67th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 and Ma & Pa Railroad Preservation Society, 1258 Muddy Creek Forks Rd, Airville, PA 17302

Send condolences at HeffnerCare.com