Seven months after being diagnosed with a cancer, Heather slipped away with her husband and son at her side. She is survived by her husband of 47 years (and seven months), Gordon; their son, Blake; daughter-in-law, Kristin and three wonderful grandchildren, Tyler and his twin sisters, Jade and Ashley. Heather is also survived by her sister, May and sisters-in-law, Jeannie and Cinda. Predeceased by brother, Bob and sisters, Connie, Jessie and Leslie.
Heather was courageous in the face of her own mortality. While she had so much to want to live for, she created and leaves a legacy of care and commitment in ways that remain an inspiration to all that knew and loved her. And she was loved.
A celebration of her life will be held on her 68th birthday at 2:00 pm on Monday, February 15, 2016 at McCall Bros. Funeral Home, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, Victoria.
Condolences to the family may be offered below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Polly Faminow
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frits swinkels Gordon,
I knew Heather and you mostly through the “oulikans” weekends at Port Renfrew. Interesting things get dicussed around campfires and I found that you both cared deeply about that transition in life that Canadians have so much trouble with, i.e. death.
I recently went through the same loss and I feel with you. Strength!
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Jim and Janine Lauder Dear Gord and family, Janine and I were so shocked to learn of Heather’s passing and we pass on our condolence to you and your family.
Blessings and light,Jim and Janine
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Sharon McCaig Philps Very sorry to hear of your loss Gordon. My best to you and your family. Sharon.
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Maureen Yip Let us remember the laughing,talking,sharing,caring and the loving. Let us remember the good times always.
My sincere sympathy, prayers & thoughts are with you and your family.
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Susan Such a passionate lady. She knew what she believed in and lived her beliefs to the fullest. An amazing laugh. Missed by all she met and impacted.
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Patti L-L & Barry Tate Gordon, We have just recently heard of Heather’s passing — our hearts go out to you & your family. I remember meeting you both 20+ years ago at U Vic. (& then, of course, you married us!). You were a loving, sharing couple & Heather was such a committed & creative woman. Sorry for your loss..
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Juanita Jones Gordon and family
Randy and I were very saddened to hear about Heather’s passing. We remember her fondly from assisting to get my father in law to both our girls weddings. She was so perfect for the job she was doing. Please know are thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Juanita Jones
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A,J,Veltman Dear Gordon,
My sincere condolence to you and family with Heather’s passing.
AJVeltman
15-2558 Ferguson rd
Saanichton.
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John & Sandra Wylie Gordon and family- so very sorry to read about Heather’s passing. We did not meet her but felt that we knew her through you during our sessions in preparation for our mother’s memorial last November.
(Julia Darby)
Our family still talks about the wonderful way you worked with us on our remembrance.
Please know that your grief is shared.
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carol & Barry Dear Gordon and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Heather. You and Heather were an inspiration to all. Her bright smile and her big hello at the RnR Diner will be missed.
Regards Barry and Carol Youell,
And the Farmer’s coffee group.
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Moe and Karen Turner We were saddened to hear of the loss of your wife. We send our sincere condolences to you and the family.
Moe and Karen Turner
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Jim Lang ( piper ) Gordon and Family,
Sincere condolences.
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Jim O'Byrne Hello Gordon. I was so sorry to see Heather’s passing – so sudden and very sad for you and Blake and daughter-in-law and grand kids. May you find comfort in the memories of your life together and how wonderfully Heather lived her life.My sincerest sympathy to you and family.
Jim O’Byrne
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Greg & Karen Lonsdale Hi Gordon, we are thinking of you all at this time and wish you comfort and peace, in friendship, Karen & Greg
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James D.Allan Dear Gordon,
Our sincere condolences for the recent loss of your loving wife, mother and grandmother.
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult transition of passage.
Respectfully,
Jim and Darlene
James. D. Allan
Victoria, B.C.
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Ken Theaker Gordon & Family,
Deepest condolences.
Heather was a wonderful woman: such a generous person, kind friend, loving mother, grandmother & wife. A sad loss, but she has blessed us all with her time among us.
Warmest thoughts and prayers from myself, Marian and family.Ken Theaker
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Ron Paterson Very sorry to learn of your loss Gordon. Ron Paterson
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Maria Hooker Dear Gordon and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Heather’s passing. She was a compassionate, dedicated, creative and innovative person. I admired her zest for life and commitment to offer solutions to improve the life and care of others.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers to you and your family. May you find peace and joy in being blessed to have had her in your life.
Maria Hooker
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Michelle Pazder Dear Gord, Blake and family,
I was shocked and saddened at the news of your loss of Heather. We met sewing machines side by side and spent so many happy hours doing the art we both loved and sharing our lives. My heart goes out to all of you., Heather loved her family and friends without question. That has been her biggest gift to us all!
My love and prayers
Michelle
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Marlett Wright Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
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Ken Smith Dear Gordon: I was greatly saddened when I read of Heather’s passing yesterday. She was a very giving person, and most certainly loved at the Kiwanis Pavilion where she worked for many years. My condolences to you and your son.
Ken (aka White Spot buddy)
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Edie Jefferson Dear Gordon,
I was so sorry to read about Heather’s death and extend my deepest condolences to you and Blake on your loss. I know you’ll miss her terribly but your happy memories will sustain you.
Edie Jefferson
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Jack and Donna Schaddelee Dear Gordon and Family,,
Our thoughts and love are with you at this time. We are very sorry for your loss.
Your friends. Jack and Donna Schaddelee
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Daryl & Barb Williams Gordon and Family
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Daryl & Barb Williams
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Bev Ridout My condolences and thoughts go out to you Gordon and your family during this difficult time with the loss of a caring and ambitious woman. I first met and worked with Heather at Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion and so enjoyed her sharing of all her endeavours she undertook throughout her life. Everything she did was so exciting and challenging for her and she loved to share her experiences with us all. I still remember the staff gathering we had at your house when Heather and you played the role of host and hostess dressed for the part and showed us all a great time . I hope you find comfort and peace in the coming days and memories keep a smile on your face forever.
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Maureen Crowe I was shocked to hear of Heather’s passing. She will be fondly remembered and missed. I worked with her at the Pavilion for many years. Take care.
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Robin Heppell Gord and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Heather. Although they didn’t happen often, I always enjoyed the times that I would get to chat with her – and especially the time we recorded our podcast interview. Please accept our prayers and condolences.
Rob, Cindy, Haleigh and Noah Heppell.
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Shannon Farahbakhsh Please accept condolences from our family to yours.
With love,
Saeed and Shannon Farahbakhsh
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robert neufeld Gordon and family. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sincerely Robert Neufeld
To the family of Heather Thurston. Heather was a great support to my mother Frances Faminow when she went into Oak Bay Kiwanis in 2010. My mom loved her friendship and conversation on the outings with Driving Miss Daisy. Heather told me of her health situation when she was diagnosed but not until today did her name come to mind and I looked her up to find out she had passed. It just doesn’t seem possible and I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely, Polly Faminow, White Rock