Paul K. Heim

Son of the late Dr. Ralph and Leona Kuhlman Heim, Paul was born April 18, 1930 in Greenville, PA and died at Arnot-Ogden Medical Center, Elmira, NY on July 8, 2012. He is survived by his sister, Martha Horton, niece, Marianna Raho, nephew, John Raho, and much-loved canine companion, Dudley, all of Elmira. Paul attended the University of Richmond, VA and servedin the U.S. Air Force. He had a distinguished career in aviation, primarily in Europe as a pilot for an Italian industrialist/diplomat. A pinnacle of his career was piloting United Nations One with UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim to Beirut, Lebanon for negotiations during the 1980s hostage crisis. Some of his adventures were chronicled in the January 28, 2007 edition of the Elmira Star-Gazette. Paul considered the most fulfilling aspect of his career to be mentoring young fliers, some of whom served as his co-pilots. One recently wrote to him from Switzerland, “I am today a better person because you gave me so much, be it flying or professionally. Just celebrated 45 years of flying ...Yes, you are with me on every flight and this is why I'm still alive.”A Florida friend wrote, “Paul was a larger than life figure to me – someone whose amazing experiences and intellectual enthusiasm captivated me. I fondly remember all the stories told and lessons learned. Paul was my mentor – someone who painted a picture of how grand life was and how grand it could be.”His friends and family will always remember him that way.At Paul's request, there will be no services. For those wishing to memorialize him, he would most appreciate a donation to the Chemung County SPCA & Humane Society Route # 352 Elmira, NY 14903. Arrangements have been entrusted the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. Paul's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com