Obituary of Kenneth Heans
HEANS, Kenneth Walter
Suddenly on Monday, May 5, 2008 in his 91st year. Born in New Brunswick on June 26, 1917, Ken led an active life of military service, work in the volunteer and public sectors as well as hours of volunteerism.
Ken enlisted with the Corps of Military Staff Clerks Canadian Army in 1940, rising to the rank of Major. He served overseas with the 23rd Self-Propelled Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery with the 4th Canadian Division and was wounded in action just one week prior to the termination of hostilities.
Ken continued to serve in the armed forces both at home and abroad. From 1955 to 1956, he was in Viet Nam with the Truce Commission of the United Nations. This was followed by postings in New Brunswick, Petawawa and Fort Churchill. In addition to a number of medals already received, he was awarded The Canadian Forces Declaration and Bar prior to his retirement from the Armed Forces in 1976, with the designation and rank of Major.
Ken was proud to follow in the footsteps of his father's distinguished Masonic careers, beginning with his initiation into St. Andrew's Lodge A.F. & A.M. No. 569 in Ottawa in 1954. He was Past Master, Zetland Lodge A.F. & A.M. No. 326 G.R.C. (now Zetland Wilson Lodge A.F.& A.M. No.86 G.R.C.) and served the office of Worshipful Master 1974 and 2000. Ken celebrated fifty years, a member of the Masonic fraternity in 2004. He was an active member of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of Canada; appointed Director First Aid, Valley of Toronto 2003. He served as member of First Aid Team Moore Sovereign Consistory, Hamilton, Ontario from 1998 to 2003. Ken was coroneted Honorary Inspector General 33° A. & A. S.R. September 2007. He was also an active member of York Rite Freemasonry: member, Victoria Chapter No. 205 Royal Arch Masons. Founding member and original First Principal, Fort Prince of Wales Chapter No 20 Royal Arch Masons, Province of Manitoba; appointed Very Excellent Companion in 1964. He was the Royal and Select Master, The Council of Cryptic Rite Masons of Canada and Knights Templar, Ottawa Preceptory No.32 Member Red Cross of Constantine, Holy Land Conclave No. 3, The Masonic and Military Orders of the Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine, KHS and St. John the Evangelist Grand Imperial Conclave of Canada.
Ken was a dedicated volunteer with St. John Ambulance where he achieved the rank of Commander of the Order of St. John. He also volunteered for years with the Heart and Stroke Foundation - one of the first CPR instructor-trainers in Ontario.
Ken is predeceased by his wives, Mary Anita Martin and Helen Orr Smith; daughter, Elizabeth Parkinson and grandson, Darrell Heans. He is survived by his sisters, Helen Hamilton, Elizabeth MacFarlane and Mildred Steeves ; his son, Donald (Florette) and their children, Derek and Veronica, and great-grandchildren James Heans, Jesse Heans, Jacob Desaulniers, Nolan Currie and Wesley Currie, Andrew Parkinson (Lesley), Daphne Clark (Kyle) and Rachel Lovell (John); great-great-grandchildren, Steven Elton, Trevor Kenneth, Melissa Meghan, Miranda Lyn, Katie Elizabeth and Jacob Darwin.
The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East), from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 9. A Masonic Service will be held in the chapel on Saturday, May 10 at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Funeral Service at 11 o'clock. Cremation. Reception to follow.
If desired, the family requests donations be made to St. John Ambulance, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.