Remembering Ron Hein

Ron Hein, a pillar in state politics, relentless advocate for the people of Kansas, but most importantly, a man who loved and was loved by his family, passed away peacefully in the early hours of December 21 surrounded by his wife and two children.

Ron was born in Seneca, Kansas, on November 7, 1949, to Evelyn (Price) and Allan Hein. He grew up in Topeka, graduating from Topeka West High School in 1967. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Washburn University in 1971, summa cum laude, with departmental honors; and his Juris Doctorate from Washburn Law School, 1974, with honors, including course work sponsored by Washburn University at Brunel University, Uxbridge, England in the summer, 1974.

Ron was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was 14 years old. Doctors believed Ron wouldn’t live to see his mid-30s. So, he had a lot to accomplish in a short period of time. He began to live his life as though each day might be his last.

This drive led Ron into politics. He served in the Kansas House of Representatives from 1975-1977 and the state Senate from 1977-1984, representing southwest Topeka. In 1978, Ron unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Congress in the 2nd District in Kansas. Thereafter, Ron established Hein Law Firm, Chartered (later Hein Governmental Consulting, LLC). He provided legal and governmental affairs services to clients with a wide range of issues, always representing each with honesty, integrity, and passion.

On October 21, 1989, he married the love of his life, Julie Hein. Those that knew Ron and Julie know that there was no Ron without Julie and there was no Julie without Ron— they were truly inseparable. The love they shared was without parallel, and over 33 years Ron never ceased in his efforts to romance her—including regularly sending flowers for no reason at all.

By 1996, the diabetes had caused kidney failure. Ron was in need of a new kidney; it turned out Julie was a match. Her courageous gift would be the first of three kidney transplants over the course of Ron’s life. The second was given by Lyndi Curphy, who lost her life in a tragic accident and generously donated Ron both a kidney and pancreas; the pancreas “cured” Ron’s diabetes. The third was given by Matt Medling, a close friend—and our family’s angel— who subsequently lost his battle with cancer in June 2020. Ron and Julie remained strong advocates for organ donation and have had countless conversations over the years with individuals who are considering giving the gift of life.

Ron remained a well-respected figure across political parties for nearly 50 years, as well as in the community. He was an active and impactful supporter of many institu- tions and served as Kansas Private Sector Co-Chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council in Kansas. While in the legislature, he served on the Capitol Area Plaza Authority. He was a member of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Topeka Chamber of Commerce; Kansas Bar Association; Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity; Phi Delta Theta Alumni Association; and life member of the Washburn Law School Alumni Association. He was a former member of the National Kidney Foundation of Kansas/Western Missouri Board of Directors; the Washburn University Alumni Association Board of Directors; American Diabetes Association-Kansas Affiliate Board of Directors; and the Kansas State Nurses Foundation Board of Trustees.

Ron has been recognized several times over for his work, with awards and recognitions from Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society; Tau Delta Pi Honorary Society; Sagamore Senior Men’s Honorary Society; Outstanding Sophomore Award, Washburn University; Outstanding Young Men of America Award; Topeka Jaycees Distinguished Service Award; Kansas Association of Public Employees Distinguished Service Award; and selected “Major Earthmover” by Hawver’s Capitol Report more than a few times.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Allan Hein. He is survived by his wife, Julie Hein; his two children, Derek Hein and Jennifer (Paul) Tims; his five grandchildren, Jackson, Sadie, and Silas Hein, and Porter and Crew Tims; his brother, Larry (Kathleen) Hein; and Linda Davis, mother of Derek and Jennifer, and lifelong friend.

View the full obituary and video at www.dovetopeka.com