Team Member Passes Away
 

Team 1114 and NiagaraFIRST.org regret to inform FIRST community of the passing of one our freshmen, Kevin Heins.

Kevin was in his FIRST year with the team, but had already made his mark, showing great committment and skill while piloting our robot at the Kickoff Robovation Challenge.

In honour of Kevin, Team 1114 has decided to dedicate the current season to his memory. Our 2005 robot will now be known as "Simbot Kevin".

For those who attend competitions in Waterloo, Toronto and Atlanta, I will make a notebook available in the 1114 pit, where members of the FIRST community can leave their condolences for Kevin's friends and family. Please stop by and leave a note if you have the time.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

This is terrible news. I'm really sorry to hear this. My best wishes are with his family and friends. I'll definitely leave a note in Atlanta.

-Bill

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

What a horrible loss. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and teammates.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

that's terrible....how sad at such a young age.....

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

I am deeply sorry to hear of the loss of a fellow FIRSTer, I give my deepest condolences to Kevin's family, friends and team. I wouldn't miss signing that book for the world.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

I am also very sorry and will leave a kind and encouraging note to the family.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

It's always painful to lose someone...best wishes to his family (biological, FIRST, and otherwise).

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

This was very sad news when I heard it myself. I didn't know him all that well, but I heard he did an amazing job as the robovation driver. I know he will be missed by not only his family, but all his friends at FIRST.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Thank you CD for all the kind words.

Kevin was a great team member of 1114. His performance at the robovation challenge was jaw dropping. I couldn't believe the poise that such a young student showed under that pressure.

I hope that his parents, friends and family can find the strength do deal with this loss.

To all of the CD community. Life is not always as long as we hope it to be. Appreciate what you have. Live life to it's fullest and make the most of every day. We can make a difference.

Thanks again for the support.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

I'll definitely leave a encouraging note while down in Atlanta. It's truly a sad thing to lose someone so young. I send my best to the family and friends.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Wow... such a young life taken so quickly... This is one of those things that we're not going to understand while we're on this planet. My condolences to those who knew him.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

My prayers are with Kevin and his family. This is tragic. May peace be with all who knew Kevin.

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Prayers to Kevin's family and his teammates through this tragic time.

From my family, and team 84 -
Ashley

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Deepest sympathy to all of you and yours.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Im very sorry about what happened to Kevin. I will keep him and his family in my prayers at night.
-Court-

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Another tragic loss for the FIRST community. As someone who lost a sophomore friend in a driving accident earlier this year, my heart--and the sympathy of Team 1073--go out to you, the family, and your team.

--Petey

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

For me and on behalf of Team 340 we send our deepest sympathies for Kevin and all of those who knew him. I will definitely sign the notebook in Atlanta and will encourage my teammates to do the same.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

On behalf of team S.P.A.M., I and my team send our condolences to the family and team. Life is seems so long yet so short. I hope everyone keeps on making their lives the best possible. I'm sure Kevin is looking down upon us all from heaven rooting everyone on.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

i and some members of 1425 will also pray for him and his family.

~doug

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Team 269 and I offer our deepest sympathies to Kevin's family and Team 1114. You will be in our prayers.


Ricky

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Team 1501 and myself send our condolences to Kevin's family. If we make it to Atlanta we will sign the book.

Rest in Peace Kevin


Wayne Doenges
Lemmings non sumus

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

I haven't posted in a while, it is sad to post under these circumstances.

Kevin, his family, and team 1114 will be on my mind the rest of the day. I am sorry for everyones loss. It is terrible when such a great person is lost.

Let's hope this does not happen again for a long time...

Peace,
Ryan

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

From me and the rest of 237, we are very sorry for this loss.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

from team 1559 we extend our deepest thoughts and sympathy to the family and friends of kevin. also to his team.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

That is very sad and unfortunate. My deepest sympathies go out to the team and Kevin's family. I'll make sure when I am in Atlanta to sign that notebook. I will say a prayer for team 1114 and his family.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

From Team 1275 and myself, our deepest sympathies go out to the team 1114 and Kevin's family

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Team 1114 Simbotics is mourning the tragic death of a promising young team member. I'm told that the team will be naming this year's robot "Simbot Kevin" in his honour. So, for those of you attending the Waterloo Regional, the Greater Toronto Regional, and the Nationals in Atlanta - you will likely hear the team chanting "Ke-vin, Ke-vin, Ke-vin" during competitions. Please join in the tribute.....

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

I will and hopefully having my team doing it as well; also no matter what you are being considered an alliance partner.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Its sad to loose someone in the FIRST Community. On behalf of team 222, we give our deepest sympathies to Kevin and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Tigertrons will make a stop to sign the notebook in Atlanta. I wish the team the best of luck this season. I'm sure Kevin will be proud.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Karthik,


Your friends on Delphi E.L.I.T.E. all extend Kevin's family and the 1114 family our deepest sympathies and support during this extremely difficult time. Take care, and remain strong.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Team 1126 will pray for the family members and anyone involved. i will get as many of my teammates down in Atlanta to sign that book. sorry to hear such of a thing.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Team 1002 and I send our condolences to Kevin's family, friends, and team members.

I know how it feels to lose a family member so young and I truly feel for his family. I will diffidently sign his book along with the rest of my team.

I wish that these difficult times can only help you through your struggles.

God Bless

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

its always so sad when stuff like this happens. on behalf of team 1155 i would like to send out our condolences to his family, friends and team.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Myself and the entire N.E.W. Apple Corps family send their condolences on this tragic day. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those whose life Kevin touched.

Sean

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Deepest sympathy for this tragic loss.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

I give my greatest sympathy from myself and team 1110 to this boy's family, friends, and 1114. A very tragic loss.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Always sad to hear about the death of someone so young. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and teammates.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

That is very sad. I'm am confused what could have happened to someone so young as me.

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The RoboDevils want to express our condolences to Kevin's family and to your team. Our prayers and thoughts will be with you. Best of luck at your Regional and at Atlanta...

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

103 sends its deepest sympathies to Kevin's family, loved ones, and team. We hope that you will find strength to make it through this tragedy. Our thoughts are with you.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

On behalf of the Red Barons, I would like to extend our sympathies. Sadly, the Red Barons went through the same experience earlier this year with the passing of our team member Nick Gabel. It truly is a shame when FIRST family members leave us at such a young age. The Red Barons will certainly visit team 1114 in Toronto.

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I will surely make time. I am so sorry for your loss. Team 007 sends their prayers and hearts out to the team, friends and family of Kevin Heins. You can definitely expect Team 007 to visit the Team 1114 pit at Atlanta.

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I forward deepest condolences from myself and everyone on Team 1241, I cannot even bear to imagine the pain the family and your team must be witnessing.

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On behalf of team 433, our thoughts and condolences are with your team and Kevin's family.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

My condolences to the family, and your team. I will come by the pits and sign the book.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

On behalf of the ThunderChickens, 217, let me express our deepest sympathy to the your team and to his family.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

One of the amazing things that came out of this tragedy is that Kevin was able to give life to SEVEN other people!!! Kevin donated his vital organs to others in need. His heart was a perfect match for a middle-aged man on the verge of death. His lungs went to a teenager with cystic fibrosis. His kidneys went to two other people who can now enjoy life free from dialysis. His liver was sectioned and two other people received life-saving transplants. And his pancreas went to someone with chronic, life-threatening diabetes.

In death, Kevin gave life to many!

Kevin’s dad has asked to join the team as we travel to the championship in Atlanta – to finish what Kevin started. Team 1114 GM Simbotics has proudly offered to bring him along as our newest mentor. In memory of Kevin…..

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

Kevin's Funeral was this morning. It was well attended by hundreds of friends, family, teachers, and teammates. His family is dealing with this tragedy with courage. They are grateful for all the support that the CD community has provided.

Thank you

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

So, what happened its terribly sad, but he must have been extremely kind in his loss of live he gave others their lives.

Re: Team Member Passes Away
 

14-year-old Virgil boy dies a hero: Kevin requests organs be given to others

Penny Coles
Local News - Saturday, March 12, 2005 @ 12:00


Kevin Heins loved all sports, but he had a real passion for baseball.

Photo: Staff
A loving, helpful son and talented athlete in life, Kevin Heins has become a hero in death, saving other children by donating his organs.

Family friend Brenda Clark, speaking for parents Elenor and Gene Heins, says the organ donation was a request from Kevin himself, who was conscious Monday, but seemed to sense he was near death after a skiddoo accident Sunday caused extensive brain damage. He told Gene he would like to donate all his organs, and his parents gave their consent.

The 14-year-old was injured while the Heins were visiting some friends near Hamilton. He was preparing to go for his first solo skiddoo ride, reached behind him for a helmet, and as he turned, he accidentally pulled on the throttle, and the skiddoo lurched out of control, hitting a tree.

Kevin was rushed by ambulance to hospital in Hamilton, where he was operated on Monday, and for a time his family thought he would recover. But the brain damage was too severe, and he began to hemorrhage. He died Monday with his parents, brother, two sisters and grandparents around him.

“He loved his mother so much, and he had the biggest heart in the world. His mother is really grateful that his heart was given to someone else,” said Clark.

The family heard Thursday that his heart has saved the life of a dying 14-year-old boy, and that a total of seven transplant operations had been completed at Sick Children’s Hospital in Toronto, thanks to Kevin.

The Heins were told that a plaque and letter recognizing Kevin’s courageous decision would be sent from the hospital in time for his funeral Saturday. It is the first time that seven children have received organs from one person at Sick Children’s, the family was told.

Kevin, who graduated from Virgil Public School, was in Grade 9 at Governor Simcoe Secondary School, which he had chosen because of the large selection of sports it offers.

He was a talented basketball and volleyball player, but baseball was his passion, says Clark.

He started off playing with the NOTL Minor Softball Association, but soon moved to an all-star St. Catharines league where he could play hardball.

Since 1999, he had also been a batboy for the Brock University softball team, and at a Brock game met a scout who encouraged him to think about baseball as a career.

The scout is flying up from Florida for Kevin’s funeral Saturday morning at Orchard Park Church, she added.

Clark, who has four children in the same age range as the Heins family, says she and her husband Randy have coached with Gene, and coached Kevin for a time.

“He was a fantastic ball player, an amazing pitcher, and he was great on second base,” she said.

He was to be buried at what is being called “a baseball funeral,” in a white casket, which was to be signed by anyone who wished to during the visitation at the church Friday evening.

There were also two large baseball cards to sign, she says, one to display permanently at the Brock University games, and the other to be given to his parents to keep.

Some of his friends and fellow teammates were planning on being pallbearers, along with Mike Bolibruck, the physical education teacher at Virgil who coached Kevin in basketball and volleyball.

It was typical of Kevin, Clark said, that even though he had graduated from Virgil, he came back to help out at games, keeping score for his former coach.

“He liked to help others, and he was always very respectful,” she said.

He was popular with other kids, she added. “His sisters adored him.

“And he was always smiling. That’s how he’ll be remembered–a smile on his face, his baseball cap on backwards, and his shoes untied and flopping around.”

A Kevin Heins Family Trust, account #6210959, has been set up at Niagara Credit Union, by Elenor’s co-workers, to help with funeral expenses. Donations can be made at any branch, or through the Hulse and English Funeral Home and Chapel.


Kevin leaves his father Gene, mother Elenor, brother Jamie, and twin sisters Jennifer and Nicole.