Kenneth Alick Hebert, Jr, born 29 March 1957, passed away at home in the early hours of Friday, 21 November 2025, from complications related to a pre-existing heart condition. Ken is remembered by all for his booming laugh, his remarkable carpentry, and his deep love of music. He was born in Burlington, VT to parents Ken Hebert Sr and Christine Hebert (Auer), the youngest of three, with older sisters Kathy and Karen. He graduated from Rice High School in Burlington in 1975 and then began his rich and varied life of work. He took great pride in the years he toured with his band Eliot Finesse, in which he sang and played keyboard; the group once even opened for Jose Feliciano. In addition to making music throughout his life, he found work at a shipyard, in medical transcription, in historic home preservation, and eventually started his own general contracting company. As a contractor, he prided himself on the beautiful work he created for his clients. His work can still be seen in many houses throughout Holyoke and surrounding communities. Even after ‘retiring’ in 2018 following a leg injury, he continued to provide work for his clients, who relied on his expertise and years of experience. He loved to be helpful and took immense pride in providing the best quality of work that he could. Musically multitalented, Ken was a guitarist, a pianist, a saxophonist, and a singer/songwriter. He recorded and produced multiple albums and loved to share his original pieces. In addition to Eliot Finesse, he performed with the St. Paul’s Church choir, Edwards Church choir, Happy Valley Guitar Orchestra, and bands Backatcha and Off The Record. He was a lifetime performer in the world of theater as well; his proudest role was that of Daddy Warbucks in Annie with Amherst Leisure Services. It was through their shared love of acting that Ken met his future soulmate and wife, Kate Hebert (Quirk) in a production of Guys and Dolls. Together they had two beautiful children, Thomas and Erin. Ken’s home was his pride and joy. He was constantly improving, fixing, and tweaking his house to be as beautiful and functional as it could be. From the solar hot water system he designed and installed on his own, to the custom kitchen he crafted to make cooking on holidays as efficient as possible, to the framed playbills on the walls from shows he and his family members had performed in, Ken worked tirelessly to create a home that radiated with warmth, comfort, and ease. It was in this home that his family shared many wonderful days playing board games, watching movies, celebrating holidays, and laughing until their stomachs hurt. While Ken’s home was where his heart was, he also loved his yearly vacations with his family to Cape Cod and to Ridin Hy Ranch. Ken was an avid horseback rider and loved to share this passion with his family on trail rides through the Adirondacks. He was often paired with the ‘difficult’ horses, who never gave him any trouble at all. The love Ken had for his family will be remembered forever, and the impact he had on all who met him will be felt just as strongly in his loss as in life. All who knew him can easily recall his booming voice, his vibrant smile, and a time when he made us laugh. We know that even in rest, he will continue to fill our lives with music, touch us with joy and laughter, and remind us all to love fully and freely. Visitation hours are Monday, December 1, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that you consider making a memorial donation to Dakin Humane Society at https://www.dakinhumane.org/donate or Dakin Humane Society, PO Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101 (413) 781-4000 x3