In Memory of

John

Wilson

"Opa"

Heslep

Obituary for John Wilson "Opa" Heslep

John Wilson Heslep (Opa), age 71, of Salem, was granted his final wish and passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Wednesday, November 22, 2017, as a result of ALS.

John graduated from Narrows High School in 1964. He was a Game Warden with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for 35 years and retired as Captain at the Forest, Va. office. In addition to his many duties, he also served as a Firearms Safety and Driver Safety Instructor. John was a member of Ivy Hill Golf Club serving as chairman of many tournaments and golf clinics, and was the head of the Tuesday Night Golf League. In his spare time, he enjoyed auctioneering for events and charities. John and Vicky loved to travel and took vacations to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska, and Germany as well as their family vacation to their condo in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

John was preceded in death by his father and mother, William F. and Edith Ring Heslep; and one brother, Billy Heslep.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Vicky Bradley Heslep; daughters, Mary Turner and husband, Chris, and Karen Looney and husband, David; grandchildren, Christopher and Catherine Turner, Victoria Dodson and husband, Ryan, and Eric Russ; great-grandchildren, Bella and Declan Turner; sisters, Mary Jane Moore and husband, Lanny, Bobby Laignel, and Margo Essinger and husband, John; brothers-in-law, Barry Bradley and wife, Karen, and Jim Laignel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends many thanks to Heartland Hospice for their professional treatment and kindness during his illness.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2017, in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem. A period of visitation will follow until 5 p.m.

If preferred, donations in John’s name may be made in lieu of flowers to the Richard R. Dart ALS Clinic, University Hospital, 4th Floor, 1221 Lee Street in Charlottesville, Va. 22908. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.