Center Harbor-----Dr. Jay Ronald Heiner, age 83, of Center Harbor, NH, died suddenly in the early hours of April 13th, 2016 at home, with his wife, Helen by his side.
Jay was born on July 2, 1932 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Ronald and Josephine (Ensign) Heiner. He attended Salt Lake City Elementary School and graduated from Wichita High School in Kansas in 1949. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and graduated from Northwestern University in Chicago in 1956, as a Doctor of Medicine.
Jay served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force for 7 years and was stationed in Okinawa where he was also a member of the Public Health Council. Upon leaving the service, he returned to the University of Utah to continue his studies in Psychiatry. He completed his residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City, NY. Many aspects of his professional career include, teaching medicine at the University of Iowa, his private practice Mentis Medical Group in Cupertino, California; Medical Director of the Psychiatric Service in Good Samaritan Hospital, San Jose. Later in New Hampshire, he served as medical Director of Genesis of Laconia and as a staff psychiatrist for Carroll County Mental Health in Wolfeboro. He was dedicated to both the care of his patients and the well being of the staff members.
While at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, he partnered professionally with Helen O’Neill RN, CADC to provide Addictive Disease treatment for many including health care professionals. With similar interests and goals, the successful team soon developed into a life long, caring and loving companionship. Helen naturally and genuinely became the bond that would bring the family together.
Jay was a man of distinct intelligence and curiosity. He constantly questioned and pondered things deeply and thoroughly. He was introverted, a kind and gentle man with a quick sense of humor. He was a prolific reader and conscientious, lifelong student. He was an expert in the study of theology, on the culture of India, and a meticulous student of the Bible. His interests were diverse, from his studies of comparative religions and philosophy, to the latest mystical, and magical characters of The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Star Trek. He always ensured he had the complete series of movies and the most current release already on order.
He had a great love of traveling and visited many parts of the world, including India, China, Japan, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, and Europe. In his later years and most recently, he looked forward to spending his time at a monthly movie and Subway night with his friend, Bob and discussions with his friend, Brent. He was open to doing activities as a novice, boating, kayaking and even bowling. He looked forward to emails, phone calls and visits from his children and grandchildren and loved to keep in contact to stay up to date on all of their activities. He was always a great listener and gave thoughtful, wise advice. He had a great interest in world affairs and wondered what the world might be like in the future for his children and grandchildren.
His wife Helen, five children, Carolyn Melissa Ney, Susan Kathleen Patz, Katrina Maria Childs, Dr. Mark D. Heiner and Robert Francis Finkeldie, 16 grandchildren and one great granddaughter, his sister, Shannon Schaeffer Gerety and his three nieces, survives him. He was predeceased by his parents, his grandson David M. Heiner, and his beloved dog Smokey.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Meredith, NH on Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 10:00AM, with Father Dennis Audet officiating.
Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery, Meredith, N.H.
If anyone wishes, donations may be made in Jay’s honor to the James E. Nichols Memorial Library, PO Box 1339, Center Harbor, NH. 03226.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.