Heidi Lynn King

The storm raged, then the sky filled with
a rainbow and the scent of blossoms in spring.

Heidi Lynn (Smith) King, of Hantsport, passed away peacefully at the Hants Community Hospital, on May 18th, 2021, at the age of 46, with her family by her side.

Left to make their way through this world with the love she gave them are her husband, Mike, and their children, Brett and Brynn. Heidi instilled her strength, resilience and peace in each of them and those traits will help them carry on.

Her mother (deceased, June 6, 2021), Mary (Hill) Smith (Dennis Peterson), her father, Eddy Smith, brothers, Jeremy (Melanie Norris) and Evin (Jessica), and nephews, Wyatt and Luca, and grandmother, Frances Hill and step-mother, Cheryl Hawboldt, have had the honour of loving Heidi for a lifetime. She will be met with open arms on the other side by her grandparents, Vance and Mary Smith, and her grandfather, Roger Hill.

Loving her like one of their own are Lynda and Rick King, Wayne (Kim) Shankel, Stephanie (Keith) Forsythe, Jonah and Noah Shankel, and Seth MacLean.

Heidi leaves behind a large family of aunts, uncles and cousins that she had such a love and appreciation for. She also had a very special place in her heart for the Lockhart family; Linda, Jim, Angie and Jenna.

All those whose lives intertwined with hers feel both the sorrow of her loss and the light of her love.

Heidi’s life purpose was her family. It was her reason for being and it provided her so much joy. She found her life-partner in Mike and together they had such balance, strength and love. Brett and Brynn completed her and they share her heart, her spirit and her soul. She was so proud of them and will forever walk beside them. She celebrated their accomplishments, dried their tears and held their hands. She was a quiet strength to them and they will know that love for the rest of their days.

Heidi was an artist. Her creativity flowed effortlessly from her heart to her hands. She shared her art with many and those pieces are a reminder of her effort, presence and love. She spent many hours creating with Brynn and Mary and those times always filled her heart with joy.

Heidi had a giving spirit and such a strong sense of community. You could always count on her stepping up to give her time and talent, from the ball field, to the basketball court, to the rink. She shared so much of herself in the pursuit of giving to her family, her friends and her community.

Heidi was an accomplished scholar, earning two master's degrees (biology and education) from Acadia University and Mount Saint Vincent University. She was dedicated, worked tirelessly and made many sacrifices to pursue what she knew in her heart to be her life’s work. Her years at university were filled with many friendships, laughs and much enjoyment. She spent a couple of years working in the scientific research field but felt a greater need to be around young people which led her to pursue a career in teaching. Heidi shared her gift of education with so many. She spent her teaching career at Central Kings and Horton High School, inspiring students and colleagues every day. Sharing in education was a passion of Heidi’s and she was nourished by it.

Heidi was a friend to many and was a completely genuine individual. Her gentle way, her spirit and her warm nature were gifts she gave those fortunate enough to call her a friend. She touched lives in ways she could never know and her love will forever give them light.

To the palliative care team at the Hants Community Hospital, we extend our most sincere appreciation. Your kindness, expertise and humanity helped Heidi to navigate her illness, peacefully, on her terms. For that, we will be forever grateful.

To the family, friends and neighbours who brought food to nourish us, who called and who reached out with help and support, we thank you. Each act of kindness you showed throughout Heidi’s illness was a reminder of the strength and love of our community.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021, hosted by the Hantsport Memorial Community Centre on the grounds of Med Starratt Field, please bring a chair or blanket. All COVID-19 pandemic and public health restrictions will be followed, physical distancing is required.

Donations in memory may be made to the Hants Community Hospital – Palliative Care Unit or the Hantsport Memorial Community Center.

Heidi took the opportunity to reflect on her life and wrote a journal for her family. In it, she shared these pieces of wisdom:

- be true to yourself. Believe in who you are. Don’t change to impress someone else;
- continue to grow and mature, just as you are;
- set realistic goals but follow your dreams;
- never stop believing in Santa Claus;
- do what feels right - what your gut tells you. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t;
- look for the good in everyone;
- smile and laugh as much as you can;
- remind people that you love them.

May we look to the sky, remember these words and honour our fortune to have walked with someone as beautiful as Heidi.