David B. Heard

Dr. David B. Heard, Ph.D., 77, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away on August 29, 2025.

David was born in 1948 in Brookhaven, Mississippi, the second of six children. He was named after his maternal grandfather, David Egbert, and grew up in a family shaped by values of faith, resilience, and independence.

In his youth, David was deeply shaped by his years with the Christian Brothers, first at the Seminary in Lafayette, Louisiana, and later at the College of Santa Fe. The friendships he formed during those years remained important throughout his life, and he treasured the yearly reunions with his brothers’ class.

David went on to earn his Ph.D. in Human Development and Counseling from the University of Maryland, beginning a long career as a clinical psychologist. His work took him from the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic, where he trained under family therapy pioneers Salvador Minuchin and Jay Haley, to New Mexico, where he founded The Family Institute in Albuquerque. There he trained and mentored countless clinicians and provided care for families across the state. Later he served as Executive Director of PRO Behavioral Health, worked with Rio Rancho Public Schools, and provided care in hospitals, rehab facilities, and private practice.

While he was proud of his professional accomplishments, David’s greatest legacy was his devotion to family. With his beloved wife Johanne — whom he first met in Philadelphia in 1975 and reconnected with in 1995 — David opened his home and his heart to children in need. Together, they provided foster care for nearly 20 children through La Familia, and in 2005 they welcomed five sons into their family. Later, they continued fostering through The Bair Foundation. Their love also extended to an “adopted family,” the Erlers, who embraced Jonny, one of their foster children, as their own.

David was happiest when surrounded by family. He loved riding motorcycles with his sons, reading biographies, cooking, watching football, and keeping up with the news. He cherished family traditions, loved traveling with Johanne, and delighted in spending time with his grandchildren. Above all, he often said, “the best thing in my life is my wife, Johanne.”

David is survived by Johanne, the love of his life; his children Chase; McRae and his wife Audra and their children Rory and Maya; Patrick and his wife Jenn; Sami and his partner Nikki and their children Merlin, Luna, Kellen, and JJ; Jacob and his partner Ali; Christian; Isaac; DJ and his wife Alejandra and their son Desmond. He is also survived by his brothers Mike (Konnie), Jeff (Connie), Jamie (Ellen), and Paul and his children; his extended family, the Ehlers — Stephanie, David, Jonny, Ivan, Konnor, and Ryker; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Kathy.

He cherished the companionship of many family dogs over the years — Oscar, Libby, Puppins, Sadie, Riley, and Piglet — and was predeceased by his own faithful dog, Scotty, his “good boy.”

David’s life was one of service, compassion, and love. His influence will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.