Heather—daughter to Lilly and JE, brother to Roy, husband to William, mother to Ian (Gina) and Sheena (Jamie) and grandmother (Nana) to Lauchlan and McKerron. Heather was born in Tuxford, Saskatchewan at a dairy farm that her family left due to the drought of the Great Depression. In 1936 they traveled across country in a tent pitched on a hay rack pulled by horses. They arrived at a partially completed house in Kenville, Manitoba (over 400 km away) where they finished the house while they lived in the tent during November weather in the North of Manitoba. The following summer they farmed virgin prairie. Out of this upbringing arose an energetic, strong sprit who was always willing to try something new and go the extra mile. Heather always had a project or two on the go. She fixed broken things—an attribute she passed on to her children.
Heather was a gardener, a hiker, a sports fan of her kids and grandkids, a good friend and neighbour. She was curious about the world and above all, a great mum. Having minimal formal education, she spent her whole life learning new things—attending night school, constantly reading and seizing the opportunity to learn whatever her kids were learning at school. Heather valued education and saved every penny she could so her kids could go to university (which they did). Sheena became a teacher, Ian became a doctor. Heather and William built a house in Vancouver—they took three years to save and build it and she lived in that house for nearly 50 years. She was also a collector of stray cats and the house had an open door for “stray children” who might be having trouble at home.
Heather traveled near and far across the city to attend Sheena’s field hockey games. Her spirit and attendance led high school and university coaches to ensure she had rides to the games (including rides from the coaches themselves). She also attended every school concert, track meet, swim meet, hockey game and play performance she could (which was almost all) for her grandchildren.
Heather remained active until her later years hiking with friends, working too hard in her garden and playing goal for her 10 year old hockey playing grandson (for 2 hours) when she was 86. In her final years, her mind started to leave her before her body did and her neighbours would look after her if she lost her way.
Thanks to her lifelong friend, Gwen Varty and UBC field hockey coach and friend, Gail Wilson who always gave her their time and attention. Ian and Sheena were able to live in Vancouver and be with her at the end—for that they are grateful.
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