Edward Allen Heck

Edward Allen HeckEdward was born December 3, 1939, in Oliver County, North Dakota. He was the fourth of six children born to Fred and Isabel Heck.

Ed is survived by his much beloved wife, Sharon of 44 years, whom he frequently called "my dollie."

Ed is also survived by his daughter Lisa Heck-Engstrom of Everett, his son-in-law Keith Engstrom of Snohomish and his son Allen Heck and his wife Mo of Woodinville.

He is also survived by six grandchildren: Haley Heck, Scout Heck, Riley Heck, Five Heck, Gunnar Engstrom, and Grayden Engstrom.

Also surviving Ed are his four sisters: Eleanor and her husband, Donald Ainardi of Tukwila, Wash., Leona and her husband, Clemens Himmelspach of Woodinville, Wash., Carole and her husband, Bill Renick of Seattle, Wash., and Sister Lorene Heck, O.P., of Shoreline, Wash.

He is also survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews to whom they refer to Ed simply as "Uncle" and everyone know which uncle that is.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest sister, Selma A. Crocker.

Ed started life on a farm in Oliver County and a small town in North Dakota. He attended Yucca Farm School (Oliver County) and St. Joseph’s Grade School, Mandan.

In 1956, Ed’s family moved to Seattle, living in the Ballard area and he enrolled in Ballard High School.Edward began boxing at the age of 13. By senior year in high school he had become Golden Glove Champion, featherweight classification in the state of Washington (1959).

After graduating from Ballard High School (1959), nine colleges offered Ed boxing scholarships. He decided to accept the Sacramento State College offer.

His plan was to become a biology teacher or biologist. Ed competed in collegiate boxing until the U.S. collegiate system decided to drop boxing as a collegiate sport. As a result, Ed lost his athletic scholarship so he transferred to Sacramento City College "because I liked it down there."

For a job during the summers, Ed worked at Fentron Windows in Ballard, starting in the production shop. Later he was offered a position in the sales department and thus began his career "in the window business."

While attending St. Alphonsus Church (Ballard) on Sundays, Ed’s eye frequently picked out a petite dark-haired girl. One Sunday after church he invited her for coffee.

On June 18, 1966, Ed married Sharon Elaine Brator at St. Alphonsus Church.

They had two children, Lisa Marie (1967) and Allen Edward (1969).

Sharon said, "We had 44 wonderful years – well we had some ups and downs – but it was wonderful."

In 1967, Ed began his own window business, Heck Window and Screen Supply Company, working out of his garage in Ballard.

In 1970, Fentron offered Ed the opportunity to be distributor of their residential windows.

This precipitated his move to Woodinville, and during that time he invited his brother-in-law, Clemens Himmelspach, to go into business with him. The "rest is history," as they say.

For many years, Ed was involved in the Woodinville Lions Club serving as president and also serving as district governor of Lions International District 19B3.

In retirement, Ed was a frequent figure seen at H&H Mall, visiting with his tenants.

Ed will be greatly missed by his family and all those who knew him and loved him.

Services have been held.

"Well done good and faithful servant. Now enter into the kingdom which your God has promised you." [Matt 25:21]