Kenneth Allan Heins
1953-2020
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth
Allan Heins, music lover, singer, vinyl enthusiast, landscaper,
history buff, and seeker of adventure. Ken was a man of many
enterprises who faced each day with a pure and open
heart.
Ken died peacefully on December 11, 2020 in Fredericton, N.B.
He was 67. He leaves behind his partner Susan Lee; daughter Vanessa
(Conor); brothers David (Wendy) and Tim (Lucie); Susan’s
parents and siblings; and many nieces and nephews. Ken was predeceased
by his mother Shirley in June of this year, and his father Kenneth in
November 1996.
Ken was born in Toronto and grew up in Aylmer, Quebec, among
a family of music lovers. He loved to sing and over the years
performed in bands, in countless kitchens, and especially at
Patty’s Pub in Ottawa on Thursday nights with dear friends
Charles de Lint and MaryAnn Harris. When he lived in Vancouver, he
worked in the music industry and became a lifelong collector of vinyl
records. He had a deep appreciation of music that crossed many genres
and prevailed throughout his life. During his career working in the
music and automotive industries, Ken was a creative and analytical
thinker, designing ground-breaking inventory, storage, and safety
systems that will be part of his legacy.
Ken appreciated all things vintage, especially the ’89 Buick
he called “Black Beauty,” which he kept on the road for many
years. He loved to take the car on long drives, to discover and
explore new places and meet new people. Ken loved people, opening
himself up to everyone he met, and would always take time to welcome
newcomers to Canada, to mentor young people, and generally offer
encouraging words to anyone who needed a lift. An exuberant
communicator, Ken took great pleasure in
conversation and as a result was blessed with devoted friends across
the country and beyond.
Ken’s partner Susan brought joy and love to his
life and together they built a strong and devoted union. He retired in
2019 and moved with Susan from Ottawa to Fredericton. Ken was deeply
proud of his daughter Vanessa and treasured his close connection with
her.
In memory of Ken, keep your loved ones close, sing and dance
together, and offer an encouraging and welcoming hand to a stranger.
That’s how Ken lived, that’s how he made the world
a better place, and that’s how he will always be lovingly
remembered.
Ken’s family would like to thank the NB Extra-Mural
program, the Palliative Care team, and staff at Hospice Fredericton
for the compassionate care he received. Memorial services will be
private. Donations in Ken’s name can be made to Hospice
Fredericton.
www.mcadamsfh.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Kenneth Allan Heins 19532020..
Death notice for the town of: Fredericton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick