Victor O’Conner Heins died after suffering a heart attack on Dec. 19. He was at home surrounded by family. He was 78.

He was born to Effie Heins on Feb. 24, 1931, in Seattle. Heins excelled in track and field at Seattle Prep. He served proudly in the U.S. Marine Corp 1st Marines 1/1 Company “B” in the Korean War and the battle of the Chosin Reservoir.

In 1953 he married his high school sweetheart Joyce (Josie). He attended Seattle University and the University of Washington before becoming the director of the Ballard Boys Club. 

He joined the Seattle Police Department in 1959 served for 20 years in several capacities, but mostly as a detective in the narcotics division.

After retiring, Heins was able to pursue many of his passions, first to follow his grandkid’s sports events, then his photography and interest in community enhancement, like Art in the Park and historical documentation of Poulsbo’s history. 

He attended St. Mary Star of the Sea in Port Townsend. 

He is survived by his wife Josie; four children: Teri Waag (John) of Poulsbo, Wendi Wrinkle of Paradise Bay, Tom (Agneta) of Wenatchee and Chris (Cindy) of Poulsbo; 12 grandchildren: Eric, Aaron, Chad, Makenzi, Madison, Annika, Maria, Mikael, Danielle, Sean, Josh and Stephanie; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will honor his wishes to have a private family celebration of his life.

Donations may be made to Poulsbo Fire Department at 911 Liberty Road, Poulsbo, WA 98370; or Seattle Police Officers Guild Fallen Officers Fund at 2949 4th Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98134.