Michael James Hines

Michael James Hines, 49, of Andover, husband of Heidi (Carter) Hines for 18 years died suddenly of natural causes on Saturday, November 30th while hiking at one of his favorite spots.

The son of Annette (Veronesi) Hines and the late Michael John Hines, he was raised in Kensington and graduated from Berlin High School. After graduating he worked at Newington Children’s Hospital, where he discovered his passion for helping people. He became a certified Orthotist and worked at Hanger Clinic for over 25 years. He was well known for his gentle compassion and his willingness to go above and beyond for all his patients. He was an avid fisherman and loved being outdoors.

His wife Heidi was his soul mate and best friend. He was a loving father to his two girls, Elisa and Michela, who were the center of his life. He was always involved in their sports whether it be coaching or supporting them on the sidelines. He beamed with pride for their every achievement. In addition to his wife and daughters, he will be missed by his mother Annette, his mother-in-law PatsyJean (Daog) Carter of Hebron, his brother Kevin Hines and his wife Amber of Berlin, his brother Ryan Hines and his wife Celine of Berlin, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Mike and his father-in-law Bernie Carter. Michael will be missed for his great sense of humor, his selfless giving to others, and his love of family and cherished friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 9 a.m. from Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 111 Chamberlain Highway, Kensington, with a funeral liturgy at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Church on Alling St. Burial will follow at Maple Cemetery, Berlin. Friends and relatives are invited to call at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elisa and Michela’s College Fund at Charter Oak Federal Credit Union, 893 Main St., Willimantic, CT, 06226.