DOUGLAS GEORGE HEIS

DOUGLAS GEORGE HEIS January 10, 1938, to November 10, 2023 The family sadly announces the passing of Doug Heis on Friday, November 10, 2023, in his 85th year at the Manitoulin Health Centre in Little Current. Survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Betty (nee Williamson). Predeceased by his first wife Carol (nee Charlton). Cherished by his children, Kimberly (David) Cooper and Wendy (Timothy) Leeder and loved by his brother Edward Heis. Adored by his grandchildren Austin (Isha) Cooper, Hannah Cooper, Thomas Leeder and Eric Leeder. Great-grandfather to Silas and honorary grandfather to Curtis and Cassidy Williamson. Doug will be deeply missed by George and Lynda Williamson, Joan Sagle and his dear friends Dick and Sandi Gieringer and Linda Roy. Predeceased by his parents John and Idena Heis, his brother Jim (Ardath) Heis and his stepson, Christopher Doggett. Born in Sudbury, Doug moved to Manitoulin Island shortly after birth and spent his childhood in Sheguiandah. As a young man Doug was a great hockey player and enjoyed telling stories of his hockey days. He had a 34-year career at Inco and lived in Azilda and Hanmer where he raised his family. He continued to return to Manitoulin Island as often as he could, spending summers and finally retiring to Heis’s Haven on Lake Manitou. He loved Manitoulin Island and was proud to share the beauty of the Island. At every opportunity he became an Island tour guide whether in a car, boat, snowmobile, ATV or just taking a walk. Doug had a large circle of friends that he enjoyed fishing and snowmobiling with. He was a bit of prankster and loved to make people smile with his shenanigans. Doug loved woodworking and spent countless hours making board games, bird houses or weather sticks which he enjoyed gifting to people. He had a big heart, feeding and caring for birds and animals. Generous with his time, he served as volunteer firefighter in Sandfield and was very active as a volunteer for the Manitoulin Snowdusters where he served a term as Vice President. Doug and Betty fostered many dogs with Manitoulin Pet Rescue which in turn brought them many hours of enjoyment. Betty and Doug moved to Little Current in 2019 where they enjoyed making new friends in their community complex. As per his wishes, a Celebration of Doug’s Life will take place Summer 2024 for family and friends. The family would like to thank the medical staff and both the Little Current and Mindemoya hospitals. Memorial donations in his name can be made to Mindemoya Hospital Auxiliary or Manitoulin Pet Rescue. Donations can be made through Canada Helps.