Support the Family of Galen Heyne

“You cannot define a person on just one thing” Aretha Franklin

We are heartbroken at the unexpected death of Galen Heyne on February 18, 2024. There have been many emotions and thoughts over the last few days, from disbelief to anger to utter sadness. There are questions as to why this happened that will never have a good answer. There is despair in trying to move forward. His pain was something we can’t comprehend and his last actions are something we will never understand. Yet there is one absolute truth that will help us heal: his last moments do not define what he meant to anyone that had the privilege of knowing him.

For those who knew and loved him, it's difficult to choose just a few positive attributes to describe Galen. First and foremost, he loved his family, and was a great dad. His career passion was veterinary medicine, after graduating from UW School of Veterinary Sciences in May 2019. Many of his friends met him through and shared his love of volleyball, something that will surely continue. Galen was unique, funny, and kind, but no attribute is more salient than his selflessness. He was ready to help anyone at any time, while never asking for anything in return. All he wanted was the joy of helping someone he cared about. Everyone is encouraged to join in remembering and celebrating who Galen was: a loving husband and father, and a caring friend, who positively impacted so many throughout his life. Reading through all of the messages and posts that friends and family have shared, it is obvious that he was loved. One simple yet powerful message from a friend stands out:

“A dear and generous friend that will be forever missed.”

Galen left behind a loving wife, Becky, and two beautiful girls, Rory (4) and Izzy (2). There is a long road ahead for Becky, as she navigates losing her husband while keeping his memory alive for their children. Our goal is to ease the financial burden on Becky and help with expenses for the funeral and celebration of life, the new challenges of raising her children as a single parent, and anything else the family needs as they go down the difficult path of healing. Becky and the girls are loved by so many, as shown in the outpouring of support that the family has received so far.

Galen would have given anything he could, and often did, to help anyone he knew, so it only seems fitting that we have the opportunity to try to match his generous spirit one more time to support his beautiful family. Please join us in donating anything you can to help. Lastly, we’d be so grateful if everyone could share a cherished memory and/or photo of Galen, allowing us all to celebrate what truly defines him.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Not One More Vet https://www.nomv.org/

There will be a Celebration of Life starting at 2 pm on Sunday March 3, 2024 at Christy's Landing - 2952 Waubesa Avenue Madison, WI 53711. For more details and to RSVP please use this link:

https://fb.me/e/54CxRS7ZZ