Hospital honors Heckathorn with spirit award

North Valley Hospital has named longtime community supporter Jake Heckathorn as its Planetree Spirit of Community award winner.

Heckathorn was honored Thursday at the hospital’s annual awards picnic. The award was renamed the Jake Heckathorn Spirit of Community Award.

Heckathorn was born and raised in Wolf Creek. He attended law school at the University of Montana in Missoula, and moved to Whitefish in 1954 with his wife, Connie.

He has volunteered for North Valley Hospital for more than 50 years, and served on its board of directors and North Valley Hospital Foundation board. He was a key player in the fundraising efforts for the new hospital.

“Jake has been a strong supporter and inspirational leader for North Valley Hospital,” said Jason Spring, NVH chief executive. “Jake has donated his time and talents for countless hours to strengthen our organization so we can best serve our community. We are proud to recognize Jake, not only for his service to the hospital, but for his generous service to the community.”

Registered Nurse Becky Walling was given the Spirit of Planetree Caregiver of the Year award for her work in the North Valley Hospital birth center. The hospital’s Volunteer of the Year award was given to Dale Vondal, who volunteers at the hospital gift shop. Hospitalist Elizabeth White was honored as Physician Champion.