Bret D. Heider

Bret Douglas (“Maverick”) Heider, 66, left this earth surrounded by his wife and children on Friday, December 6, 2024, in Amarillo, Texas. He was born on August 10, 1958, to William R. and Marilyn I. Heider at Miner’s Colfax Medical Center in Raton, New Mexico, the sixth of seven siblings. He is survived by his wife, Laura, his son Darik and his wife Stormy, daughter, Alissa Dillard and her husband Trevor, and four Grandchildren: Acelyn Dillard, Ridge Dillard, Hailyn Heider and Jameson Heider. He is also survived by siblings: Dennis Heider (Lynda), Jennifer Heider, Donis Jacobs (Duane), Barbara Espinoza (Dan), Kirt Heider (Diana) and mother-in-law, Lula Rader (Larry), brother-in-law Jimmy Rader (Delores), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. Bret graduated from Raton High School in 1976, and went to work for the Raton Lumberyard and Graham Concrete. In 1978, started work for Kaiser Steel, York Canyon Mine. Bret held many different jobs while at Kaiser, including underground mining and heavy equipment operator, and a member of the mine rescue team until he retired in 2000. On February 16,1985, Bret married Laura Rader, in Evergreen Colorado. They shared two months shy of 40 years. In 1988, they welcomed their twins, Darik Dakota and Alissa Ashlee. After retiring from Kaiser Steel, Bret went to the New Mexico police academy and went on to work for the Raton Police Department for five years. He then transitioned to the Colfax County Sherriff’s Office, where he worked as a bailiff/ reserve deputy, while working as a substitute UPS driver for eleven years. Bret then became a full-time driver for UPS in 2005. Bret delivered to customers whom he called friends, on several different routes in Northern New Mexico until he retired in March of 2024. Bret was a devoted husband and father. He loved fiercely and worked hard. His family was his reason for everything he did. Bret was an avid Yankees fan and loved to golf and hunt with his family and friends. He spent his summers coaching little league baseball for his son, Darik and nephew, Roger, and so many other kids. Bret loved baseball and continued to support Raton Tiger Athletics throughout his life. As great of a Father that Bret was, he was an even better Papa to his four grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. Bret received the best birthday gift when Ridge Truett, his grandson, was born on his birthday in 2021. In September of 2024, Darik’s son, Jameson Dakota, blessed the family. Bret was able to meet and snuggle with his grandson, Jameson, who fulfilled the wish of the Heider name living on. Bret fought a long hard battle against cancer for over five years. He never wavered- -never gave up. He always had a positive outlook until the very end. He will be deeply and profoundly missed by his family, friends, coworkers, his community, and all who knew him. Bret was preceded in death by his parents, William R. Heider and Marilyn I Heider, and sister, LaRayne Graham, and Father-in-law, James Rader. A celebration of life will be held on December 28, 2024, at the Raton High School Gymnasium at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Raton Little League, in his honor.

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Bret D. Heider

August 10, 1958 - December 6, 2024