Charles "Chip" Heaps

Charles William “Chip” Heaps Jr., 68, of Chestertown, Maryland, passed away on February 15, 2026, as the result of a tragic event at his home.

Born in Havre de Grace and raised in Harford County, Chip carried with him the values of hard work, loyalty, and a deep love of the outdoors that shaped him from an early age. An Eagle Scout, he developed a lifelong commitment to stewardship, service, and responsibility that would guide the course of his life. He was a graduate of The John Carroll School in Bel Air, where lifelong friendships first took root.

Chip attended Randolph-Macon College, where he formed enduring bonds and was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. The brotherhood he found there remained meaningful throughout his life and reflected the loyalty and camaraderie that defined him.

An avid hunter and passionate outdoorsman, Chip dedicated 32 years of his professional life to Ducks Unlimited, building a career that left a lasting mark on conservation efforts nationwide. He served in leadership roles, including Maryland State Campaign Chairman, and was deeply involved in expanding the organization’s reach and impact across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. Chip built a broad community of volunteers, donors, and friends united by a shared purpose and respect for wetlands and waterfowl conservation. He also served on the board of the Waterfowl Festival in Easton, and on the board of the Coastal Conservation Association. His impact on conservation initiatives will continue to be felt for generations.

Those who knew Chip will remember a true gentleman – steady, positive, and unfailingly decent. He valued conversation and connection, greeted others with a genuine smile, and quietly encouraged those around him to be better. Those who spent time with him were reminded to speak kindly, love their families fiercely, and focus on what truly matters. He did not seek recognition, but he earned respect everywhere he went.

Music was woven into Chip’s life from the beginning. For Chip, live music wasn’t just entertainment; it was gathering, friendship, and joy. His enthusiasm and generosity of spirit helped build community wherever he went, whether at a conservation event, fraternity gathering, on the golf course, or at a live show.

Chip shared a 42-year marriage of enduring love and strength with his beloved wife, Patricia “Patty” Heaps. He was a proud father to Lindsay Warren (Will) and Charles William Heaps III “Chad” (Clare), and “Ducky” to his grandchildren, Amy Ruth Heaps, William Charles Warren Jr. “Charlie”, Sarah Louise Heaps, and Peter Wilson Warren. Born from his lifelong devotion to waterfowl, the nickname became something far more meaningful. As Ducky, he was playful, protective, and endlessly kind. His grandchildren knew they were the light of his life and deeply cherished.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles William Heaps Sr. and Ruth Heaps.

Despite the significant loss, Patty remains surrounded by the strength, love, and support of her family and community.

Chip’s legacy lives on in the land he protected, the music he loved, and the family who will always carry his strength forward.

A memorial service celebrating Chip’s life will be held on February 28, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Vignon Manor Farm in Havre de Grace, Maryland. A reception will follow at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ducks Unlimited at https://link.edgepilot.com/s/67a836b0/UQCLoCkjHUq4UVtOZ9QNNQ?u=http://www.ducks.org/get-involved/memorial-giving