Daniel W. Heffner

Daniel William Heffner "Dan" was born in Buffalo, New York on June 7, 1953, the firstborn of Margie (Saharoff) and C. William "Bill" Heffner. He departed on the morning of May 14, at his home, after suffering a fall from the effects of Parkinson's. He was 72. Dan was an adored husband, dad, brother, uncle, grandfather, great uncle and friend, expressing his love to everyone he knew with his gift of music which was woven into every fabric of who he was.

Dan's parents moved to Kettering in 1954 where he picked up his first musical instrument, the ukelele, at the age of three. His dad, encouraging his love and passion for music, bought Dan his first guitar in the early '60s, which is also the time he started his guitar lessons. By the time he was in junior high, he had formed his first garage band. This band had various names, but Dan's favorite was "Daniel and the Lion's Din" which his dad had come up with. He continued playing in various bands throughout the years up until the time he departed.

Dan graduated from Fairmont West High School in 1971 and Ball State University School of Music in 1977 where he earned a degree in Music Composition. After graduation, Dan worked for Good Samaritan Hospital where he and another co-worker wrote and performed a community outreach show, advocating healthy habits. The band was called "Good Sam's Rock 'n Roll Medicine Show."

Dan had his only son, Todd, in 1982 who he shared his gift of music and creative genius with. He and his son had the unique ability of understanding, both being deep thinkers and learners.

Dan retired in 2019. Before and after his retirement, he and his wife, Laurel, facilitated and created Yoga retreats as well as performing together in the devotional chanting of Kirtan. He found immense joy and inspiration in this practice. For 18 years he played in the praise band at the Center of Spiritual Living called "The Higher Mind Band", with his final performance a month before he departed.

Outside of these amazing accomplishments, Dan also enjoyed sharing his gift of music with children's groups, most recently for his grandson, Davie's preschool which Dan described as "enchanting". All of his family and friend gatherings were centered around his sing-alongs whether it was around the campfire on family vacations at Lake Bellaire in Michigan, family reunions with his wife's brothers and their families, weddings, birthdays, holidays, Dan was never without his guitar bringing great joy to those around him.

In addition to his gift and love of music, Dan was a creative genius with his doodle art and cartooning, storytelling and writing. He was a lifelong learner and teacher and had a unique and amazing way of interpreting the world around him.

Dan was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Bill and Margie and his in-laws, Rich and Mary Ann Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Laurel (Johnson); her daughter, Mira (Kyle) Hermanson; his son, Todd Heffner; grandchildren Davie, Wesley and Benny Hermanson, and Miley Heffner; siblings Rob (Margot) Heffner, Karen (Jay) VanHouten and Barb (Lee) Zimmerman; Laurel's brothers Rick (Nancy) Johnson, Craig (Pat) Johnson and Bruce Johnson; 7 nieces and 4 nephews and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 29 at David's United Church of Christ, 170 West David Road, in Kettering. The doors will open at 1:00 p.m. for a time of fellowship and the Celebration will begin at 2:00 p.m. There will be a reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Parkinson's Foundation or a charity of your choice.

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