David Chamberlain Heininger

David Heininger, 63, of Snowflake, Arizona, died December 18 at Summit Hospital in Show Low, AZ. Kathryn, his wife of 39 years, was at his bedside. David, the son of Robert M. and Dorothy (nee Chamberlain) Heininger, was born in Torrington, CT, in 1958 and grew up in Cornwall, CT. He was a graduate of Housatonic Valley Regional High School (1976) in Falls Village, CT and the culinary program of Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI. After college, he moved to Tucson to help his parents settle into retirement, where he met Kathryn. David was a master chef and confectioner who worked over the course of his life in many aspects of the food business. After various successful culinary endeavors and operating a property renovation business together, David and Kathryn moved to Snowflake, AZ in 2000, living off-grid, nestled against Black Mesa. There they founded Black Mesa Ranch, an award-winning goat cheese and candy business. David was the heart and soul of Black Mesa Ranch. His goat cheeses and candies were celebrated around the country. Retiring the cheese and ranching endeavor in 2018, they recently purchased a home outside Snowflake, where they relocated their artisan candy and fudge business, Epic Fine Chocolates. Kathryn will continue the business, which features David’s recipes and designs. David's affable manner and wealth of imagination and talent drew people to him throughout his life. David had a beautiful soul and immense zest for life. He will be deeply missed. In addition to Kathryn (nee Collier), his soulmate and partner in business, he leaves a sister, Cynthia, and her partner James Feeney, of Philadelphia, PA, and many devoted friends. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date, contingent on Covid restrictions.