Orville R. Heien died March 30, 2005, at his home on Vashon Island. He was 89 years old.

Mr. Heien was born Nov. 23, 1915, in Wilcox, Neb. He grew up in Nebraska where he married Blanche Shride in 1937.

They moved to Vashon Island in 1948 with their daughter Barbara.

He worked as an auto mechanic at Al’s Service, now Vashon Chevron, before spending the majority of his career with Williams Heating where he delivered oil, repaired and installed furnaces.

Later he worked for Vashon Hardware, sharpening saws and repairing small engines.

Mr. Heien was the original “Mr. Fix-it.” If he couldn’t fix it, it just couldn’t be fixed.

After his retirement, he enjoyed, and took great pride in, his vegetable garden that had a jaunty scarecrow prominently displayed. He was widely known on the Island for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others however he could.

He was an active member of the Vashon Lutheran Church, which he helped build.

He deeply loved his family and they loved him in return. He has left a space in our hearts that can never be filled.

Survivors include Blanche, his wife of 67 years, daughter Barbara and son-in-law Bob Smith of Vashon, grandson Douglas Smith and wife Nancy in Maple Valley, granddaughter Tracy Caldwell and two great-grandchildren, Dustin and Kaitlin Caldwell

in Monroe.

Joint services were held at the Vashon Lutheran Church for Orv and his sister, Bessie, who died later the same day.

They were buried together at Vashon Cemetery.