Jack Heslep, 79, of Brownsburg, died Wednesday, April 4, 2007 in the company of his family at his home on West Airslie Farm in Brownsburg, Virginia.

He was born December 15, 1927 in Fairfield.

He was the son of Joe Kyle and Edna Cox Heslep.

Jack was best known as the owner and operator of West Airslie Farm and up until a few years ago could still be seen in the field on a tractor or backhoe. In addition to the farm, he was also the proprietor of the Fairfield Supercenter and BP Station.

An avid horseman, Jack was a long-term president of the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Virginia. Active in the community, he also served on the Rockbridge County Planning Commission, the Rockbridge Regional Fair Board, the Brownsburg Community Water Association, and the Brownsburg Ruritans at various times. He was also a member of the Bethesda Presbyterian Church/McElwee Chapel.

Those who knew Jack would agree that he lived with vision, purpose and determination.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ramona Brown Heslep; children: Connie Heslep Huffman, Scott Heslep and wife Kim, Gail Heslep Clark and husband, Ron; grandchildren: Amanda Huffman, Brandan Huffman and wife, Tracy; Julia Bahhur and husband Jamel; Toria Heslep, Margaux Clark and Matthew Clark; 2 great granddaughters: Aspen Bahhur and Taylor Huffman; a sister, Charlene Heizer; and a brother, Paul Heslep.

A graveside service will be held at the McElwee Chapel Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, 2007 with Rev. Christopher Crotwell and Rev. Larry Clark officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Central and Western Virginia Chapter at 674 Hillsdale Drive, Suite 1, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901 or to the Rockbridge Area Hospice at P O. Box 948, Lexington, VA. 24450.

Family visitation will be held Friday, April 6, 2007 from 5-7 p.m. at the Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Virginia.