Frederick N. Heckbert

Frederick Neilsen Heckbert

        1930 - 2021

Frederick (Fred) Neilsen Heckbert of Miramichi, beloved husband of Verna (MacPherson) Heckbert, passed away peacefully at Shannex Bridgeview Hall on August 21, 2021. He was 91.

Born in Chatham on April 2, 1930 to the late Frederick P. and Eva (McLean) Heckbert, he was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was a lifelong resident of Miramichi, growing up in Chatham with his four older siblings.

Dad had a beautiful singing voice, and was an accomplished, self-taught musician, excelling at the piano and accordion. He shared his musical gifts in church choirs and at other get togethers. Everyone looked forward to his music at family gatherings, and he carried his gifts to the grand piano at Shannex Bridgeview Hall.

Dad’s curiosity about what made things tick drew him to a career as an appliance serviceman with Lounsbury’s in Chatham.  This forty-two year journey made him a household name, a Mr. Fixit in communities up and down the river.

People remember him as a sunny, sociable man who cared for everyone. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and devoted his spare time to community service with seniors.  

Dad had a deep personal relationship with his heavenly father, and his Christian faith was a constant comfort to him, and to others through him. He lived his faith everyday, walking through life with a breezy, gentle confidence that displayed his joyful belief and lifted those in his presence. 

Fred is survived by his wife of 71 years, Verna; and six children:  Steven Heckbert (Linda Rasmussen) of Calgary; Debbie Rayls (Billy) of Hoopeston Illinois; Laurie Heckbert (Lucien Duguay) of Lameque; Maxine Heckbert (Paul Dickie) of Maitland NS; Melanie McCombs (Clayton) and Murray Heckbert (Trisha) both of Miramichi.

Fred was richly blessed with grandchildren: Michael, Sara, Melissa, Heather, Shane, Andrea, Dylan, Chelsea, Ryan and William, and great-grandchildren: Ethan, Aaron, Wyatt, Miles, Beckett and Juliette.

He was predeceased by daughter, Christina; parents, Fred and Eva; brothers: Mac and Syd Heckbert; and sisters: Catherine Smith and Phyllis Butler.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kris, staff at Miramichi Senior Citizens Home and Shannex Bridgeview Hall, and especially Sabrina Morris, for their peerless care of our cherished father and husband.

Life gave us a husband and a father with a golden heart, who took abiding joy in seeing us each make our unique way in this blessed life we share.

Visitation was held from 7 PM to 9 PM on Monday, August 30th, 2021, and from NOON to 2 PM on Tuesday, August 31st at Adams Funeral Home, 140 King Street, Miramichi. A funeral service immediately followed visitation at Adams Funeral Home Chapel on August 31st at 2 PM with Rev. Gary Churchill as Officiant. Music for the service was recorded music of Fred singing "His Eye Is On the Sparrow", "Fill My Cup", and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus".  The recessional song was "Holy City, New Jerusalem" which was a recording of Fred playing the keyboard with Claire Young singing.  "Victory in Jesus" was sung by Murray Heckbert and Steven Heckbert.  Scripture readings were read by Chelsea Dickie and Maxine Heckbert.  Memories of Dad were shared by his children.  The eulogy was by Murray Heckbert.  The pallbearers were:  Murray Heckbert, Steven Heckbert, Dylan Heckbert, Ryan Dickie, William McCombs and Clayton McCombs.  Interment was in Pine Grove Cemetery, Loggieville. 

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Pine Grove Cemetery, Canadian Bible Society, or a charity of the donors’ choice would be appreciated. 

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home, Miramichi, telephone 773-3492 or messages of condolence may be sent online to www.adamsfh.ca

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Frederick N. Heckbert, please visit our Tree Store.