Heidi Atanian, age 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sept. 18, 2017, at Holyoke Medical Center after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on Nov. 14, 1946, in Ludlow, Massachusetts. He was a son of the late Kapiel and Bibi Atanian. Heidi earned his Associates in Science Degree from Springfield Technical Community College and retired from the Travelers Insurance Company in 2004. As a decorated Veteran of the U.S. Army, Heidi served in the Vietnam war during 1967 and 1968 as a Crew Chief for the 282nd Assault Helicopter Company Black Cats and was a recipient of numerous awards including a Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Heidi was well known for his life-long involvement in the Boy Scouts of America’s Western Massachusetts Council where he achieved the level of Eagle Scout. He served the Pocumtuc Order of the Arrow Service Lodge in many capacities for many years including Lodge Advisor and was a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Vigil Honor and Founder’s Award. Year round, Heidi could be seen volunteering on camp grounds, scout office, and various events where he embodied the spirit of scouting, “to help other people at all times.” In addition to his volunteer service, Heidi was an avid and well known collector and trader in boy scout memorabilia. Heidi leaves his loving wife of 45 years, Bonita G. (Szlosek) Atanian of Springfield; 1 son, Matthew Atanian of Easthampton; 2 daughters, Elisabeth Doyle and her husband Matthew of Worcester and Rosemarie Thomas of Palmer; 1 brother Michael Atanian of Indian Orchard; 1 sister Christine Champigny and her husband Donald of Chicopee and 2 grandchildren Kyle and Jessica Thomas. Aside from his loving family, Heidi leaves behind an extended family acquired through his scouting and military service. Calling hours are Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017 from 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. A funeral service will be held on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 from 9:30-10:30 A.M. at the funeral home followed by a committal service at the MA Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family asks consideration of donations to either Western Massachusetts Council BSA, 1 Arch Road, Suite 5, Westfield, MA 01085 or Black Cat Association, c/o Ray Jennings, 3719 Grasmere Drive, Carrolton, TX 75007.