Donald Heline

Donald “the Rabbit” Heline

January 15, 1943 – June 15, 2016

Donald “the Rabbit” Heline, 73, died of natural causes on Wednesday, June 15, at his home in Leominster, MA.

He was born January 15, 1943 in Leominster to Donald Heline Sr. and Edith (Gardner) Heline.

Fond of assigning nicknames, he is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Cheryl Garceau “Buddha”, son Jason “Jaybird” of Clinton, MA, son Neil “Saki” and his wife Pamela of North Carolina, granddaughter Mary “Lizzy Bean” Heline of Fitchburg, MA, grandsons Cameron and Brody Heline of North Carolina and sister Dorothy Lawrence and her husband Richard of Virginia.　 In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brothers, Gary and Douglas Heline.　

He was a 1960 graduate of Leominster HS, plied his trade as a mason and plumber, and proudly began his own mechanical contractor business in 1971.　 He built his company from the ground up on principles of hard work and strong values.　 An accomplished businessman, he helped provide service to his community, neighbors, and friends. During his 45 years as a contractor and business owner, he mentored many in the area toward their future professions with whom he remained lifelong friends.

In his younger years, he was a surfing enthusiast and enjoyed a number of other activities including skiing, music and dancing.　 One of his greatest joys was golfing and was a member at various golf clubs in the area, mainly Monoosnock Country Club, where he holds the record with 6 career holes in one.

Known to his many friends as “the Rabbit”, he was always on the go, full of energy, and wielded a remarkably quick wit.　 Don brought great laughter and joy to those who knew him and leaves his friends and family with an abundance of great stories and cherished memories. 　He will be missed and remembered as a mentor, dear friend, paternal figure, loving husband, proud father and grandfather.　

Always a dependable provider and extremely generous person, he often did as much for others as he did for himself. 　　Living every day to the fullest, he was a man you could bet on who was never afraid of a ‘long shot’.

Family and friends are welcomed to gather, pay their respects, and share their stories in celebration of his life at Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster, MA for calling hours on Wednesday June 22^nd from 4pm – 7pm., immediately followed by a memorial service.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Heline, please visit our floral store.