It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Heather after battling cancer for a number of years.  She is survived by husband, Brian and their children, Bailee, Riley and Zoe.  Also mourning her loss are her parents, Al and Cheryl Radley; brothers, Curtis (Andrea) and Kyle; in-laws, Nester and Sharon Tunkow and Brian’s brother, Steve, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends and co-workers.

tunkow,heather - WEB 2In younger years, Heather enjoyed playing sports, particularly Esquimalt softball and high school volleyball.  After high school, Heather became a licenced early childhood educator and went on to a satisfying career at Rogers Elementary School Daycare and Out of School Care Centre.  She held many positions as both caregiver and administrator but her passion was the kids.  She was a wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt and loved every one of those roles in life.  She and her family loved summer trips to Parksville, family movie nights , long drives and walks along the waterfront.  She always had a smile on her face and was kind to all.  Heather will be sadly missed but left many fond memories for us all to remember.

tunkow,heather - WEBA Celebration of Heather’s Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, with a reception to follow in McCall’s Family Centre.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Agency, 2410 Lee Avenue, V8R 6V5, http://www.bccancer.bc.ca  or the charity of choice.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com.

  • Teresa Janisch

    We miss you now, our hearts are sore,
    As time goes by, we miss you more,
    Your loving smile, your gentle face,
    No one can fill your vacant place.

    Always in our thoughts,
    Forever in our hearts…

    Thinking of you all… Brian, Bailee, Riley + Zoe, Uncle Al, Auntie Cheryl, Curtis + Kyle

    Lots of hugs… Andre, Teresa, Marcus, Nicholas + Alexis… xo

  • Kim & Sue Bowles

    We were so sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. Love & Hugs xo

  • Sheila Tolsma

    To Heather’s family,
    I am so very sorry for your profound loss of this beautiful person. Heather was so wonderful to work with at Rogers; her love for the children there was evident every day. She was so kind and thoughtful and calm; everyone loved Heather. Her family was everything though and my thoughts and prayers are with them now.

  • Lorena, Rene, Rico and Serena

    Our hearts and prayers go out to Brian, Bailee, Riley, Zoe and the rest of Heather’s family. We were so fortunate to have Heather in our lives. She watched over our youngest in early years and our boys are friends. Our family is forever grateful for her kind, nurturing and loving ways. Heather will be truly missed. Her smile in the mornings, her laugh and her gentle way with the young ones will always be remembered. Our sincere and deepest condolences.

  • Emily Dickson

    To the Family,

    After reading through the beautiful comments people have left for you it’s clear that everyone felt as I do about Heather. Her smile absolutely brightened the world and she was an inspiration. I had the privilege of working with Heather for a few years at Rogers. We shared the Early Years classroom and worked together along with others to make it an incredible space with a great reputation, that was mostly Heather. She had such a beautiful way with the children even in the most stressful of circumstances and I always wanted to learn more from her. Zoe you were just 4 when I met you but your smile was as bright as your mom’s, hold onto the pieces of her that are in you. Bailee and Riley I’m sorry I didn’t get to know you both better but on the times we did spend together it was evident how close your family is and how much your mom adored you. Hold on tightly to your good memories and help each other out during the coming months, especially your Dad. He will need lots of hugs. Love and hugs to you all.

  • April Ash Simons

    I’m still in shock that Heather is gone. Half of my life includes many many memories of Heather by my side, especially in those most important teenage years when we helped each other down that ever bumpy road to discovering who we would turn out to be as adults. I’m so sorry that her life was cut so tragically short, the world is definitely darker without her light.
    To Heathers entire family, words cannot describe how sorry I am for your loss. I hope you are finding comfort in each other and know how many of us are here for you in your time of need.
    Heather…I will always love you my dear dear friend. I will hold all our special memories dear, and proudly tell many stories of our shananigans. May your light shine down on us always….I will never forget you. Xoxo

  • Nisha, Nav, Rohin and Aneil Jhawer

    Words can’t express how we feel about Heather. One of our most anxious and worrisome moments as a parent was the thought of sending our kids to daycare and after school care. That all changed when we met Heather! We quickly realized that Aneil (in Early Years) was in the most capable of hands. Heather was the perfect person to leave Aneil with. She was so very caring, thoughtful and loving. We will always remember the impact that Heather made in not only Aneil and Rohin’s lives, but also ours. We will miss “Little Heather” and will always picture her smile. She always had a smile:)
    To her family – please know what an impact she made and how much she was loved. Carry her in your hearts and know that she is watching down on you with that great big smile.

  • Tracey Froud

    Thou I did not know Heather long, from the moment I started working with her I knew she was someone special!
    The way she was with the children you knew this was not just a job to her and she had a passion and love for what she did. This was not just with the children it came across to whoever she was around.
    She glowed and had a sparkle when she would talk about her own children and family.

    She has left her mark on this centre and all the people she touched.

    To her children and family: Heather will always be with you.

  • Sandy Jaques

    Heather is respectfully remembered as a valued member of the Rogers School team.. I think she was happiest when the outdoor space between the school and the day care became her home. She loved being out there with her little ones. I valued her calm smile and her love for Rogers. I always enjoyed the years when she pushed Zoe around in the stroller, picking up and dropping off Baillee and Riley at school. She was a dedicated and happy mom. Baillee, Mrs. Ross and I were especially blessed to work with your mom in the two years you were in Mrs.
    Ross’ class. The school benefitted from her quiet contributions.
    Our love to you all.

  • City of Victoria Parks Division employees

    To Brian , Bailee, Riley & Zoe ,
    Our entire workplace sends sincere condolences to all of you , your family members & close friends for the loss of Heather / Mum . No doubt a very difficult time for you all as you come to terms with the passing of one of your immediate family members and the gap that leaves in your lives ….. so difficult to understand and to come to terms with .
    Most of us only know Brian / Dad ….however we want to let you all know that we willing to offer support and assistance when and where required . Take care of each other .
    With our collective deepest sympathies and thoughts to you all during this trying time in your lives .

    The employees of the City of Victoria Parks Division

  • Judy Harrison

    Heather’s legacy at Rogers will remain in our hearts forever. Sincere condolences to Heather’s family and friends.

  • Kristina and Sasha Wright

    From Sasha Nicole Wright (Early Years Program).
    Heather was one of the kindest people in the world. My teacher. She read me a story my first day.
    She has nice hair and I hope you come down soon to protect us.
    You are loved and always remembered. Not a day that I am not thinking of you. I loved your hugs that you gave me and the books that you read to me; and driving the bus for us. Especially helping us in the pumpkin patch. I know you’ll be angel and I’m happy that I got to spend time with you. I especially love that you gave me hugs.

    Sasha Wright

  • Darren and Alison Cairns

    Heather always had a smile. She lit up any room. She loved life and we will always think of her. May she rest in peace. We will miss her very much.
    To Brian and your precious kids, know that we are thinking and praying for you during these tough days.

  • Leslie Wright

    My sincere condolences to Heather’s family. I knew Heather from Rogers where my granddaughter, Sasha Wright, attends. She always had a cheery “hello” for me and then “Sasha, your nana’s here”. Sasha thought the world of her. I hope all the happy memories and photographs you have of Heather will help you through this most difficult time.

  • Joyce & Bob Flemington

    So sorry to hear of Heather “Going Home” way too soon. RIP Heather!!! Our prayers and thoughts are with you Cheryl, Al, family and friends.

  • Tracy Smythe

    Losing someone we love is not easy, in fact it is the most difficult of life’s challenges. And can raise more questions than answers. My heart goes out to all of you in your loss. And may your hearts someday find solace in the love you all shared. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.

  • Margaret Lehmann-Berry

    Dear Al and Cheryl, Brian, Elley and I extend our sincere condolences in the face of your enormous loss.

  • Zoe and Amrose

    I hadn’t expected this to happen to my mom. I loved her very much. Now its hard to do everything. Everybody is asking if I need anything. I do want something I want my mom back I love you mom.
    Love, your daughter Zoe

    I’m really sad about this I hope you feel ok soon, my family is very sad about this too this is sooo sad I wish it never happened – by Zoe’s best friend Amrose

  • Amrose Sandhu

    Zoe I’m really sorry for your loss everyday at school you always told me about your mom having cancer in her brain I was sure that she would be ok but then our principal told our intire class about what happened about the reason you didn’t come too school that day I was really sad about what had happened to your mom I really wasn’t expecting this.

  • Tracy Bryant/Murray Boyce & family

    We are so shocked and saddened to hear about Heather passing. She was a truly amazing girl! I had not seen her in many years but remember her bright smile. She was so full of spunk when I babysat her as a little girl and always had such a kind, loving heart. It’s a devastating loss! Sending our deepest condolences and loving thoughts to Cheryl, Al, Curtis, Kyle and Heathers husband and children. 🙁 love Tracy, Murray & family.

  • Darlene, Chris, Piper and Matthew Oman

    Our deepest sympathies to Heather’s family. We were blessed to know her and to have our son in her care at Rogers Child Care Centre. In our family’s time at Rogers, Heather has been a constant cheerful, calming presence. So many children have been touched by her kind heart. We will miss her, but she will live on in our hearts and in our memories.

  • Allison Green

    Deepest condolences to Heather’s family and friends. The world has lost a beautiful, compassionate, sparkling-eyed, sweet smile, gracious and giving person.

  • christina wallis

    Heather,
    You were my mentor when I did my practicum in early years as well as a co worker. I will forever cherish the time I spent with you. You are a beautiful soul inside and out. You always lit up the room and brought such a positive, supportive vibe to the centre. You will be forever missed but never forgotten & my prayers are with youur family during this devastating time. xo

  • christina wallis

    Heather,

    I am so very lucky to have known you and had you as a mentor during my practicum than as a co worker at Rogers. You are a beautiful human being inside and out. I will forever cherish the four years I knew you. You were a role model and will never be forgotten. Rogers will never be the same without you. You played such a positive role in the environment and I am forever grateful to have known you. Sending my prayers to your beautiful family. xo

  • Charity, Brian, Liam and Megan Calder

    Heather’s smile, laugh, and kind words made everyone’s day a little brighter! With sincere sadness. The Calder’s

  • Deb Harper

    Heather, the memories are sweet and will always be cherished. Until we meet again Sweet Girl. Love you! oxoxox

  • Lindsy Harper Hall

    My sweet Heather,

    Although the years have passed, times were busy, I’ve never stopped loving you so very much. Your kind heart, warm smile and the comfort you always gave with a hug or just a touch will never be forgotten. As we grew up next door to one another, I looked up to you, you let me tag along on your babysitting adventures, you’d give me rides to school, and treat me with love all the time. Our sleepovers and baking nights were epic. You were a daughter, friend, mother, caregiver and so much more that I could only WISH to be and you have left a mark on this earth that no one can take away. One favour I do ask–please take care of my sweet baby Leo, I’m sure he was waiting for you to arrive with open arms. I asked him to. My love always my sweet, dear friend. Rest your heart. My love to your ENTIRE family. Never forgotten my Love. XoxoxoX

  • Darrell & Leisa Cairns

    We just received a phone call from Darrell’s cousin Bev Earnshaw, and she told us the sad news of Heather’s passing. We were shocked to hear about the early loss of Heather. It’s such a shame to lose a daughter, wife, & mother so young! Our hearts go out to all of your family.

    Sorry but we are going to be out of town on July 2nd, but this doesn’t mean we won’t be thinking about all of you. We will be! We hope all of your great memories will bring you comfort in the years to come.

  • Zoe

    Mommy,
    I really miss you. I wish you had not passed away. Your very brave you survived cancer three time’s. I did not know it was that bad. You were the best mom ever. It’s going to be hard not seeing your face around the house. You used to braid my hair after I had a shower. Also you used to tuck me in at night time. I know you will be watching us. Im sure one day we will see each other again. I hope I see your beautiful face again

    love your, daughter Zoe

  • Bailee

    My dear Mother,
    i will miss you deeply, even though you have past away not a day that will pass that i am not thinking about you and you will always share a special spot in my heart. it’s weird not having you here, with your constant hugs, especially that it is now summer. you telling me my terrible poems are really good and everything you have done for me. You have made me who i am today.

    Heather is
    Excellent at being a mom,
    Amazing at being herself,
    Teacher to every she cares about,
    Has really nice hair,
    Experimental with cooking,
    Respected by all she knew.

    i love you more than words can express.

    -love your daughter

  • Andrea Radley

    Heather, you were taken from us way too soon and my heart is so broken. Everytime I think of you, I see your smiling face and how you were not one to wait around for hugs and kisses. You were always the first one to come over with your hugs and a kiss on the cheek. You were a huge support and I love you dearly. There will never be a day that goes by where I will not be thinking about you. You will always be with us in our hearts. You were so brave and kept a smile on that beautiful face of yours till the end. I love you so much and always will my beautiful sister.

  • RILEY

    MOM
    ,I REALLY REALLY MISS YOU MOM I WISH I COULD SAY GOOD BYE AND GIVE YOU A HUG I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU 🙁

  • Glenn Perlstrom

    A bright light gone makes the world a little darker. It’s very fortunate that your spark of love was kindled in the hearts of so many others, especially the children that you knew. It will burn bright thanks to you. As dark as it is now you made the world a better place. I will miss you. It’s not fair that truly good people like you leave us. I am angry and sad, but also thankful that I got to know you. You were my co-worker and a friend. I send my love to your family and all those who knew you.

  • Kathy Mick

    We are extremely sorry to hear of Heather’s passing. She was a beautiful young woman and will be dearly missed by the community. Sincerely the Mick’s- Dave, Kathy, Hayley, Paul and Corrina and Families

  • Brian Tunkow

    To my wife

    Last week as we talked with tears in our eyes
    Our love was still strong as ever
    I don’t want to say goodbye

    You were my soulmate
    My wife
    You were truly the love of my life

    With three kids at my side
    With broken hearts too
    A whisper of I love you would get us through

    You were taken from us
    Suddenly and swift
    A hug from you would give us an enormous lift

    My partner
    My Best friend
    I don’t know if my heart will ever mend

    To hug you to hold you one last time
    I’m sure this will happen
    Another moment in time

    I miss you so much babe

  • Andrew Kain

    Brian and family thinking of you all during this terrible time. Brian I have fond memories when you and Heather first started dating. She will be greatly missed by everyone that had the privilege of knowing her.

  • Pam & Kevin Park

    Omg we are so sorry for your loss – we couldn’t believe it – life doesn’t seem to be fair – our thoughts are with you

  • Tammy and Madison

    As I write this my eyes keep welling up and I keep shaking my head thinking this news isn’t true. My daughter Madison started at OSC at the age of 2 and Heather was so amazing to her. I could leave the centre knowing Madison was in the best care. She and I truly appreciate all the support Heather gave her over the years. Life is very unfair sometimes and you were taken much too early. Rest in peace Heather although we know in this new chapter you’ll be up in heaven guiding and supporting all the little ones. Prayers to your family. Tammy and Madison.

  • Catherine McGill

    Dear Al and Cheryl.

    We are deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Heather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.

    With heartfelt sympathy,
    Catherine and Mike McGill

  • Kristina Felt (Spurling)

    I have nothing but fond memories of time spent with Heather in high school. Countless volleyball trips, softball games, and an unforgettable trip to Disneyland were made brighter because of her smile, and caring ways. It was an honor and a pleasure to have called her a friend. My deepest sympathies to her entire family.

  • Shelley Upshaw

    I am truly sorry for your terrible loss of your beautiful daughter, sister Heather! My heart aches for your family! I am sending love to all of you at this time. I wish I could do something to ease your pain but I know I can not. Please take comfort knowing that she is now free of pain. You all must lean on each other and let family and friends do what ever they can to ease your pain. Love from, Shelley Upshaw (Brad’s) Mom xo

  • Stacey Brownsword

    I’m still in shock. All of my childhood and early adulthood is filled with Heather being a part of it. She was my partner in crime. She was a funny, friendly, loving woman who loved her family. I’m so sorry for her family’s loss. Heather will always be my old roomie. Love you always Heather.

  • Pat & Bill Emile

    Our sincerest condolences to Cherl & Al Radley & family at this very difficult time.So very sorry for your loss. Prayers and thoughts are with Heather’s husband & children, family and all those who were under Heather’s care.

  • Michelle (McInnis) Connor

    This world has just lost such a beautiful soul! My deepest condolences go out to the whole family. May your memories and love for each other get you through this extremely difficult time!

  • Sandra Hirota

    I am so very heartbroken over the loss of Heather!!! When I think of my treasured work years at Rogers with our core clan I think of Heather and all her warmest of welcomes, grace, kindness and immeasurable patience and love that she bestowed on the many children she nurtured. I can picture her in my mind and remember all the amazing great times shared in daycare, her lovely smile and contagious laugh…. The good ole days at Rogers and Heather’s sweet presence will forever be etched in my heart. My deepest condolences to Brian, Bailee, Riley, Zoe and the rest of her family. RIP Heather. Thinking of you all and sending prayers and love xo

  • Debra, Dave, Tianna, Kaila and Kaden

    My heart has been heavy since we got the news of Heather’s passing. She had all 3 of my kids and currently my 2 youngest. She was the first person we saw in the morning and always had a big “Good Morning” when we walked in. She was such a positive person and loved every child that went through Rogers Child Care Center, she was really in it for the children and everyone could see it. I will truly miss my morning conversations with her as my last stop was always her office (as it was right beside the washroom) and we would have a good laugh or a nice chat on my way out and it always left me with a smile on my face. My condolences to her husband and her 3 children. Thank you for letting us enjoy this wonderful women, she will be very missed by all.

  • Kim, Trevor, Alexander, Abbygail

    Heather looked after both of my children at Rogers since they were 3 years old. She is a very special person to our family and we were blessed to know her.

    She showed compassion, happiness and patience towards all the children in her care. As a parent she showed me support with her calm strength and willingness to learn how to care of my daughter’s TD1

    I will never forget this amazing woman. Now may her children carry her strength of spirit in their hearts during this difficult time.

  • Mike and Cheryl Weber

    Our thoughts and caring go out to Heather`s loved ones. She was definitely a wonderful lady. We loved the way she lit up our day with her ever present smile and positive attitude. Mike and Cheryl

  • Treena, Nate, Griffyn and Graesyn

    Our hearts are heavy, but our children’s memories from Early Years and Out of School Care at RCC are so fond. We were so blessed to have to dynamic duo, Heather and Heather in EY. It takes special individuals to work so flawlessly together…a reflection of who Heather was.

    Some people chose their career, but I feel her career chose her…it was meant to be.

    Always kind, loving, selfless, caring, teaching, …we were so blessed.

    To her family, our thoughts are with you all during this most difficult time.

  • Vince, Sadie, Antona & Gino Greco

    In the 2 or so years that our family has been involved with Rogers, we felt Heather was the constant steady, smiling, trusting person that we could always rely on. We truly felt that Heather was genuinely interested in our kids’ lives and it was pretty obvious that she was loved by the kids and parents. “Little Heather” (as some of the kids called her) was always there to help out or guide…..even to the newer parents that always had questions! So many skilled ways of problem solving – was amazing to watch and we definitely learned from her.

    I think when you leave this world; you want to leave something behind, or you want to be a difference maker, or think you have contributed. Heather has done that. She has touched a lot of lives over the past years at Rogers, it is clear she has left a mark….a large one in very important early years.
    We are thinking of Brian, the kids and the rest of the family…..thanks for sharing her with Rogers.
    RIP Heather.

  • Tamara, Rob, Ellie and Sam

    Our girls had the pleasure of being in Heather’s fabulous Early Years program. She taught kindness and compassion, along with other valuable lessons.
    She was a lovely spirit and full of integrity – she’ll be missed greatly.
    Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.

  • sarah

    I am very sorry for loss of Heather! For the 11 years I’ve been at Rogers, she was a very strong, kind women about her work at Rogers and kept us going. The kids were always her passion. Heather was a fun person to get to know. Heather was always there for a shoulder to cry on, or a hug if needed. She was a great supportive person too, and over the years there I got to know her children too. They are awesome kids too. I am sending my prayers and strength to the family.

  • Hazel and Dennis Andersen

    We are very sad to hear of Heather’s passing. I wish we had gotten to know each other more…we moved to the same street and when we met Heather, I knew she was a lovely person. We will always remember the friendly family that came all the way up our steep driveway each Halloween. Thinking of you and your family Brian…please let us know if you need anything.
    Hazel, Dennis & family

  • Darren, Tammy, Brenna, and Carly Chatten

    Heather looked after both of our daughters from the age of four. Even when our girls moved out of the daycare centre and into the older groups, they always took the time to go back and visit Heather. She always showed immense love and patience with all of the children and she was most certainly the brightest light at the centre. It won’t ever be the same without her. Our families thoughts are prayers are with Heather and the loved ones she has left behind.

  • Heather, Hong, Alex and Anthony Kim

    Heather will always be remembered and appreciated by our family for all of the care and kindness she showed to our children at Rogers Child Care. They were so fortunate to have her in their daily lives, and we felt fortunate too. She was a kind, gentle, caring person who had a dramatic and positive impact on so many young children. It’s just so sad to think of walking into the centre and not seeing her anymore. I’m so sad for her children and husband, for her colleagues, and for all of the children who will never have the benefit of Heather in their lives. It’s an immeasurable loss.

  • Rebecca Stirling

    Heather was one of the kindest, most thoughtful and courages persons I have ever known. It was a great pleasure to have been able to work with her. She was among the rare whose loyalty and friendship was genuine and true.
    My prayers to her family and loved ones.

  • Lisa Domshy

    So sorry for your loss. She will be missed. Heather was an amazing example of love and kindness. Memories of working with her at Rogers brings such a smile to my face. She was so much fun! She touched so many lives and through doing so made the world a better place.

  • Kris Backlund

    I am so very sorry. Our world has really suffered a loss as Heather was the most peaceful and giving of souls. My heart and prayers are with you all.

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