MICHAEL HEINS

1951 - 2017

Michael Eugene Heins Age 65, residing in Tacoma with his wife Karen, passed away on January 9, 2017. Mike had recently been diagnosed with cancer that took him much sooner than expected. He was at home, surrounded with love, during his final days. Mike was born on July 21, 1951 in Oceanside, California to Mary Pat Ryan and Berle Eugene Heins, and was the oldest of their eight children. Mike is loved and missed so much by his wife Karen, daughter Nicole, two sons, Ehren and Ehric, and five beautiful grandchildren. His brothers Jim, John, Matt, and Tim, and his sisters Sue, Kathy, and Molly hold dear so many memories of love and laughter. Mike was a graduate of Seattle University, earning his master's degree in Public Administration, and worked in the Washington State Correctional System for 24 years. After Mike and Karen met, he decided to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. Mike returned to school and earned his teaching certification from the University of Washington in Bothell. Mike helped mold the lives of so many young people over the past 15 years, planning to retire after graduating his 8th grade class this year that he held very dear to his heart at St. Paul School. Mike believed in the Three R's: Responsible, Respectful, and Reasonable, and always preached: "Don't try. Do." His wife, children and grandchildren, family, friends, and students will miss his smile, humor, and intellect, but are consoled that he is with his Father in heaven. The family would like to thank the St. Paul staff, students, and their parents, for all of the love, support, prayers, and kindness they have shown over these difficult months. Mike will be remembered and loved always. A rosary will be held at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at St. Paul Parish in Seattle, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. and a reception immediately after in Roman's Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Paul School in Mike's name.