Obituary of Dennis J. Hein

Dennis was the first child born to Mel and Erna Hein. He was an older brother to Rodney and Gordon. Dennis grew up in Pembroke, Ontario Canada. Pembroke is home to many extended family members and friends and still holds a place in his heart. Dennis was predeceased by his brother, Rodney on March 28th, 2001, his mother, Erna on February 28th, 2007 and his father, Mel on March 20th, 2007. As a little boy, his mom had to take him on the train to Ottawa to have corrective eye surgery. The vision problem included difficulties with depth perception. As a young boy he loved riding his bike, ice skating, reading books, and music. One of his first jobs was to deliver newspapers around the neighbourhood. The delivery route would then be passed on to Rodney then to Gordon. Dennis was a serious academic and graduated grade 13 from Pembroke Collegiate Institute at the age of 16. He studied music at the University of Toronto (class of 1967) and at Concordia Lutheran College, River Forest, Illinois (class of 1975). Dennis was always passionate for all things musical. He began his musical journey on an upright piano and studied through the Royal Conservatory of Music. At family reunions, Dennis would provide entertainment to all who would listen. His talent was a true gift that enriched many lives. He played many instruments, sang tenor in his church choir and taught private music lessons. He touched the lives of many budding musicians. While his students, young and old may have found his jokes corny, his love of music is a legacy that each one carries in their heart. To share a quote from Nelson Henderson, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” He not only enjoyed playing and listening to classical music, he also enjoyed composing his own pieces. He volunteered at WXXI public radio from 1977-2004. He held the position of organist/choir director at St. Mark Lutheran Church in West Henrietta from 1985 through 2011. He cherished his church family and shared his joy of prayer through music. Books were another passion that Dennis spent many hours with. He would read and re-read his favourite science fiction books, cookbooks and books on Esperanto. Speaking of science fiction, Dennis enjoyed that genre of movies especially Star Trek and also enjoyed the television series, “Doctor Who”. In recent years Dennis took up square dancing. Unbeknownst to him, this decision would forever change his life. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Karen. He was a man in love and gushingly told family members how he felt about Karen. They were married in August 2008, on a beautiful sunny day surrounded by music, family, love and laughter. They shared their home in Henrietta with their three cats, Gander, Zeke and Snowshoes. Family & friends are invited to memorial calling hours, Friday, 2-4 & 7-9 PM at Miller Funeral Homes (3325 Winton Rd. S.). A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, 11 AM at St. Mark Lutheran Church (779 Erie Station Road, West Henrietta, 14586). In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Benincasa Hospice, 3880 Rush-Mendon Rd, Mendon NY 14506 Click to Visit Website. Home Henrietta, New York Birthplace Pembroke, Ontario, Canada Donations Benincasa 3880 Rush-Mendon Rd Mendon NY, 14506 Visit Website