Wilson MacKenzie Heath

Wilson MacKenzie Heath of Southampton passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 3, 2026. He was 87 years old. He was the beloved husband of over 65 years to Jeannette (nee Brown) Heath and the son of the late Wilson L. and Florence Heath.

Wilson was born on October 7th, 1938, and grew up in the Oxford Circle section of Philadelphia. He loved the neighborhood and participated in the local street events. He got his first job at the age of 13 at the Regal Theatre at Oxford Circle. He graduated from Frankford High School where he performed with the marching band. After graduation he found employment at Honeywell and then transitioned to work for Malina Camera shop on 4th street in Philadelphia while taking night classes at Temple University. Wilson was called to join the United States Navy, proudly served and was honorably discharged in March of 1965. After his service, he started working for Penn Jersey Auto Parts Company selling Franchises while completing his college education. Wilson started working with INA Insurance, now Cigna, and worked his way through the ranks to become an assistant to the Vice president over seeing multiple offices around the country until his retirement in 1996. Upon retirement, Wilson started his own company “Handyman Heath” where he enjoyed the relationships, he formed with all the clients he helped. He was a Mason, member of the Palestine - Roxborough Masonic Hall Lodge No. 135, member of the Scottish Rite and a member of the Vereniging Erzgebirge German Club.

In addition to his wife Jeannette, Wilson is survived by his daughter Kristine Rinker and her husband Michael, his son Russell and his wife Theresa, four grandchildren, Alesha and Shanon Rinker, Collin and Brenden Heath. Wilson was preceded in death by his daughter Diane Heath.

Wilson MacKenzie Heath will be remembered as a devoted family man, a dedicated volunteer, and a cherished friend to many. Throughout his life, Wilson gave generously of his time and talents, serving his community in countless ways. He was deeply involved in local organizations, always ready to help wherever he was needed.

A passionate musician, Wilson played clarinet and saxophone in a dance band and participated with a string band after high school. His love for music continued throughout his life, and he later volunteered as the general manager of both the Warminster Symphony Orchestra and the Southampton Band, sharing his enthusiasm and leadership with others.

While living in Hatboro, Wilson joined the Parks and Recreation board and served as chairman. In Warminster, he contributed to the township planning commission and volunteered as a youth soccer referee, always striving to make a positive impact on those around him.

Wilson was a talented woodworker, creating beautiful furniture and treasured keepsakes for his loved ones. Among his proudest creations were hope chests for the women in his family and a cradle used by all his grandchildren. He found great joy in boating, spending weekends with family cruising the Delaware River on his beloved Sea Adventure 2. He also enjoyed fishing, golf, and, in retirement, rekindled his passion for trains and model displays.

Above all, Wilson cherished time with family and friends. He was a familiar face at church events, loved hosting gatherings, was an excellent chef and was devoted to family traditions. He spent many hours researching and documenting his family’s history, creating an archive that traced our roots back to the 1600s. The annual Heath Family Christmas party was a highlight of the year for him.

Wilson believed deeply in the importance of his family, treasuring his wife Jeannette, whom he lovingly called his Queen, his kids and especially his grandchildren. He was always present for family activities and traditions, leaving a legacy of love, warmth, and togetherness.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will live on in the memories and traditions he created.

Relatives and friends will be received by his family on Wednesday, January 14th 9:00 am until 11:00 am (Masonic Service at 10:00 am) in St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church, 505 N. York Road, Hatboro and are invited to attend his Memorial Service at 11:00 am. His interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wilson’s name may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church at the above address or The Shriners Hospital of Philadelphia HERE.

To share memories and condolences with Wilson’s family, please visit his tribute page above.

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