Kenneth D. Heist

Kenneth D. Heist, age 76, of Little Compton, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at his residence. He was the husband of Joyce E. (Flynn) Heist to whom he has been married for the past twenty-two years.

Born in Denver, Colorado, he was a son of the late Donald C. and Laura (Adair) Heist. A graduate of Lakewood High School, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Metropolitan State University in Denver and his Masters degree from Cooks Institute of Engineering.

He was an Acoustics Engineer at General Dynamics and an Adjunct Professor of Mathematics at Bristol Community College for many years before retiring in 2012.

An inventor and researcher, he and his wife were the founders of the Saturday Morning Science Program at the Henry Barnard School at Rhode Island College. He also enjoyed traveling.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son: Donald K. Heist of Newport, OR, three daughters: Jody Kay Miller of Billings, MT, Vicki C. Wittman of Belgrade, MT, Elaine M. Dickervitz of Barrington, RI, four sisters: Eileen Alter of Morrison, CO, Donna Mitchell of Lakewood, CO, Linda Trockel of Twisp, WA, Marilyn Pletcher of Wheatridge, CO, ten grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

His Funeral will be held on Monday, May 2, 2016 at 9:00AM in the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Rd., Swansea, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00AM in St. Andrews by the Sea Church, 182 Willow Ave., Little Compton, RI. Visiting hours Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor may be made to the Mayo Clinic, to pursue the research of Familial Inclusion Body Myositis, 200 1st St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 who the family credits for giving them hope throughout Ken’s diagnosis. Burial in Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, Little Compton, Rhode Island.