Kerry David Heaslip, a lifelong resident of Duluth, passed away on June 19, 2018, at his assisted living home in Woodbury, due to complications related to Parkinson's disease. He was 57 years old.

Born September 4, 1960 in Duluth, the sixth of seven children, Kerry's playground was the nearby woods and hills of what eventually became Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve. It became a calling that gave Kerry both expertise and solace.

He attended Rockridge Elementary, Ordean Jr High School, and graduated from Duluth East in 1978. As a boy, Kerry played guard for St. Michael's basketball, and he effortlessly patrolled centerfield at Lake Park Little League. Kerry had a natural talent for sketching and artwork. He participated in the early bird counts with the Audubon Society at Hawk Ridge and helped to create the trails that thousands of fellow citizens have walked and enjoyed over three decades. Kerry was an annual independent contractor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, planting tree seedlings during summers of his early adulthood.

Kerry was a well-respected chef at various local restaurants, including Bennett's, Black Bear Lounge, Superior Shores in Two Harbors, Lake Avenue Caf in Canal Park, and the Olive Garden on Miller Trunk Highway. He loved family and friends, yet could spend days and weeks in solitude, camping and tree planting, searching for agates, fishing and hunting, or hiking with his beloved dogs amidst the serenity which nature afforded him. Some autumns he would quit a job in order to deer hunt. Kerry's freezer was always well-stocked with an endless supply of venison, game birds, and fish. When it came to supporting the Vikings, few fans could outshine Kerry's passion for the team. Kerry spent his later years in Duluth with his camera, taking photographs of his favorite places along the North Shore.

Kerry had a keen sense of empathy, was agreeable while complaining, was hardy, yet sensitive, and was described by many who knew and loved him as a "gentle soul." He was never one for accolades; he was solid in his defense of the underdog cause. Kerry's down-to-earth demeanor and sly sense of quiet humor endeared him with a diverse collection of friends. Kerry's gift with people was that he effortlessly formed an exclusive bond with each unique individual. When Parkinson's confronted Kerry, these diverse relationships came together to provide the love and support necessary to face anything. In the end, Kerry's cause inspired those within his circle to become a better sibling, a better cousin, a better friend, a better human being.

Kerry's source of joy has always been his daughter, Danielle John, and his four grandchildren, Europe, Gabriell, Kyia, and Kody. Kerry is also survived by his father, Patrick Heaslip, his mother, Doreen Gableman (Paul), special friend and Danielle's mother Deanna John, sisters Laura (Mark Nelson), Julie Kirkham (Tom), brothers Mark (Nancy Dudley), Kevin (Kathy), Brian (Laurice), and Craig (Ai Hua Xin). Kerry will also be missed by his eight nephews, four nieces, four great-nephews, eight great-nieces, his paternal Aunt Tess O'Leary (Carroll, Iowa), his maternal Aunts, Carol Wick (Grand Rapids) and Beverly Elstad (Richard) of Hermantown, his paternal Uncle Walt Peterson (Duluth), five step-siblings, over 100 first cousins, and an untold amount of friends. Kerry was predeceased by his nephew, Gabriel Heaslip.

A celebration commemorating Kerry will start at 10:00 a.m. on July 20, 2018 at the Pavilion in Lester Park, 61st Ave East above Superior St. in Duluth. The Family will host the gathering for those who wish to share remembrances and meet those others who were fortunate enough to know and love Kerry. In keeping with the celebration of life theme for the gathering, the family encourages those attending to come in colorful attire.