I had the pleasure of rooming with Heather during my first year at U of L. I was a green first year student and met Heather (and Pam) through the sports program where I played volleyball. Heather was perfect! She gave me hundreds of Heather “advice” moments about what I should and should not do my first year as a student athlete. I also was lucky enough to spend time with Len when he would come down from Red Deer to visit Heather. I remember watching “Benny Hill” with Len late at night and laughing like crazy over the silly skits. Life moved on and I moved to the West Coast and lost touch. Yesterday I was in Calgary for business and saw an article on Len. I thought it looked like “Heather’s” Len and called my wife to tell her about it. I was so excited about getting back in touch with Heather and introducing her to my wife and kids. As I googled Len today I came upon this article. I am so shocked to hear of her passing away. Len my heart goes out to you and your family. I so wish I had connected earlier. From our family to yours we are so sorry for your loss.

Thank you to you all… while our hearts still ache, your kind notes do help during our time of grief and will forever be cherished.

Len and Girls

Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. We didn’t see Heather at the last family reunion, cause she was Dragon Boat racing. Her Legacy is in your children Len. God Bless

Len and girls,

My heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. I played VB with Heather at RDC, and know first-hand her determination and commitment. She was a fierce competitor, and losing wasn’t in her vocabulary. I am saddened to know that she is no longer with us, but smile when I think about the fight she gave this horrible disease. That was so “Heather”. She was a force to be reckoned with, and I can see from the condolences that she inspired many others, and contributed greatly in the fight against cancer. Thank you, Heather!

Bonnie

Heather was such an amazing and strong woman. She had more courage than anyone I know, or think will ever meet. It is such a loss for all those whom knew her. She will be very missed, but she is with us in spirit.

Heather was one of those rare breed of people who made the world a better place to be by her exsistance. I first met Heather while rehabing a reconstructed knee and I could not walk. She had the ability to know each individual’s limits and then bring them slightly above those, always making you work that much harder while still smiling. You wanted to work that much harder for fear of disappointing her. The ability to inspire and teach is a rare gift. Richard Wilson

Peg and I remember fondly the times Heather spent with our daughters(also then at St Mary’s) at our house on Durham. She was always a charmer and we enjoyed her immenseley. Our sympathy to the Webber family and also congratulations for having the Blessing to have spent all those years with such a wonderful person.

God Bless Peg and Nick Taylor

Lauren, Jaime, Kelly and Len,

Please accept my heartfelt condolences from my family to yours on the passing of Heather. Our families grew up together at swim club in the summer, and we have so many wonderful memories of Heather. She was an absolute inspiration to us all. The world will be a different place without her. Our thoughts are with you.

To the Webber and MacDonald families, we offer our heartfelt condolences. I had not seen Heather since our 1977 graduation from St Matthews. Since we are planning a reunion, we were all looking forward to seeing each other once again. Sadly, that will not occur. But her courage, strength and sense of purpose, present at even an early age, appears to have only become stronger as time passed. She will not be forgotten.

Keith Brooks.

Len and family,

Heather and I were childhood friends. We both attended St. Matthews Junior High. I always looked up to her and thought she was such a smart and great person. I wish your family strength and I hope that time will heal some of your pain.

Len, Lauren, Jamie and Kelly

I am now back in Vancouver after the celebrations of Heather’s life. It was a tribute to be proud of and one that I know Heather would smile and be thankful for. Her spirit is so alive it is strange to imagine otherwise. I will always remember that of her. If there is anything I can do for any of you – please ask. If any of you are ever in Vancouver, you are most welcome here.

As things get quiet and settled, know that you are in my (and many others) thoughts and prayers. I am thankful for all that Heather was to me. I am also thankful that she brought all of you to us.

Sending my strength, prayers and hopes as time unfolds.

Lori Benning

Dearest Len, Lauren, Jaime & Kelly,

I hardly know how to convey to you my deepest sadness at hearing of Heather’s passing…she was a beautiful soul, so kind and caring even while struggling with her own battle. She imparted to me her strength and determination to take the next step, and I will be forever grateful that our paths crossed. You all are very much in my thoughts and prayers.

Len, no one can truly know what you are experiencing in this time of loss. Please accept my condolences and know that you are in my thoughts.

Jon Netelenbos

Len, Lauren, Jaime and Kelly

We offer our sincere condolences on your loss. Heather was a good friend back in Red Deer College days and I still think of her often. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Dear Len, Lauren, Jaime & Kelly,

We are so deeply sorry for the loss of Heather, beautiful wife, mother and woman! She raised beautiful strong daughters who we know will persevere. Nicole loved spending time with your family and will always have those memories – Kelly is and will always be a very dear and close friend! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. With love from the King Family.

Len, Lauren, Jaime and Kelly

My thoughts are with you and I am sorry I was not able to attend the service. Heather had been and always will be an inspiration to me in the way she bravely faced the hardest of times. Much love.

Tribute to Heather delivered at Prayer and Tribute Service – March 5, 2010.

As I remember Heather, I see a big smile and a happy person.

My connection to Heather is through the corporate fitness industry. I had the wonderful opportunity to work with her when she joined my company to be a consultant at the Shell Fitness Centre.

And every day at work Heather would arrive with that terrific smile and positive work attitude. No matter what the job. I recall that she was so friendly and helpful with our members making them feel comfortable in the fitness centre. I also recall her great talent in making our bulletin board the best. No matter what the job, big or little she took it on with pleasure and gusto. She was very creative and artistic. People loved to check out our board and get the latest fitness news.

You could always count on Heather. As a employer, it was a real comfort knowing that not only would Heather be there to work with our members and inspire them to a healthier lifestyle, but also to take care of the less glamorous tasks that are necessary to run a first class fitness centre.

We crossed paths over the years in the fitness industry at conferences and workshops and Heather always gathered a crowd. In only the best way, it reminds me of Pig Pen and his dirt storm, only Heather’s storm was happiness and positive vibes and inspired people around her.

More recently I approached Heather for advice. A very good friend of mine is a palliative care doctor. She had a client who had to come to Calgary for treatment and was very alone here and didn’t go out of the hospital. This gal had been a very fit and active woman and my friend thought she would be able to manage her treatments better if she were to be in the outdoors more. I immediately thought of Heather and asked her what to do. Heather, of course, said she’d take her out walking, or get her involved in the dragon boat racing or take her up to Nose Hill. She is just that kind of person. Always thinking of others and trying to make life fulfilling, fun and healthful, emotionally, physically and mentally. Heather recognized the benefit of combining physical activity and the social aspect. She made a difference in many people’s lives.

I am happy to have had this relationship with Heather and her “joie de vivre” will inspire me in my life journey.

Webber Family,

I first met Heather in 2006 when I joined the CIBC Run for the Cure committee. From the moment I met her there was something about her that inspired me. She was such a remarkable woman who had great strength. She was a great leader and mentor. I tried to fill her shoes as the 2008 Run for the Cure Co-Run Director a position she made look so easy. I was fortunate enough that I could e-mail her any time for advice. When I read the article about her this morning in the Herald and learned she had passed it broke my heart. The woman that is your wife and mother inspired so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Len – please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family on your loss. I did not know her, but I do know I missed something special in not meeting her. Heather was obviously an extraordinary person.

We were so sorry to hear of Heather’s passing. We have enjoyed a long neighborhood friendship for many years and enjoyed our many conversations over the years while walking the dogs. Our deepest sympathy to all the Webber family.

We were very saddened to hear of Heather’s passing this week. While we didn’t actually have the pleasure of knowing her personally, Lyn lived up the street with her parents – Nat & Norma O’Hare, along with her brothers Patrick and Kelly while they were growing up. As a result, we often heard about the Webber’s down the street and how the family had grown and expanded over the years. We understand that they often stopped to talk while walking their respective dogs and how friendly they were.

Our deepest condolences to your families in your great loss.

Lyn & Jim Webber, Christopher & Milena Webber, Courtney & Bernadette Webber and Cameron Webber families

Len and family: We are out of the country; we send our deepest sympathy. Our prayers are with you all and Heather. Much love.

My heartfelt condolences and prayers for the Webber and MacDonald families. Heather was an inspiration and a joy, always filled with energy and hope, and will be remembered for her tireless efforts to promote the same among cancer survivers in the late days of her life, and among her friends, family and fitness clients in the earlier days.

With love, Jackie, Katie, Tamara, Andy, Catalina.

Heather was and will continue to be an inspiration to us. She was a wonderful role model and her strength was amazing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Such a great photo of a wonderful woman!

Len and the girls, and all the Macdonalds, I’m thinking of you as you celebrate our loving, generous, inspirational and spirited Heather. She was always a joy to be around and I’m pleased to have known her and be related to her.

With much love and condolences,

Daniel Hudon

Len, Lauren, Jamie and Kelly,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Heather and I carpooled when Jamie and Andrew were in playschool together. Heather had the warmest smile and most encouraging, bright and caring personality. What a gift she has given you girls. So much of her will live on in all of you. Be strong.

Patty Scot, Christina Andrew and Anne McAlpine

Len, Lauren, Jaime & Kelly

Len, no words can really help to ease the loss you and the girls bear, just know that you and your family are very close in my thoughts and prayers. Heather will be dearly missed.

Tom Hudon

For David Macdonald, father of Heather, and family.

Please accept my sincere condolences and sympathy for the loss of Heather. Words are never adequate in such times of sadness and grief. I can but offer my prayers and thoughts in hopes that they may be of some spiritual help in the ensuing days.

Bill Moir

Len, Lauren, Jaime & Kelly

We are at a loss for words and cannot really say much except for how blessed we feel to have known Heather. She will remain very alive in our memories and admiration. Take comfort in knowing that she has found peace and happiness in a better world.

In our thoughts and prayers, Angie & Nives Fatovic

Len, Lauren, Jaime and Kelly;

David, Patricia, Teri, Joanne, David and families,

Our most sincere condolences on the enormous loss of your beloved Heather.

Heather’s sense of humour through her fight and her fiercely positive attitude was her gift to all and made us want to be better people. She did not “go gentle into that good night”.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you,

Love, Strength and Courage,

Jamie, Bonita, Grace and Callum

Len and family our hearts go out to you with the loss of Heather.

Highly respected for her time in the Fitness industry, Heather’s bright light will be missed by us all.

Dear Len, Lauren, Jaimie and Kelly,

Our deepest sympathy to you all on the passing of your wife, mother and best friend Heather. I consider myself truly blessed to have known Heather since we were 10 yrs old! She was a dear friend. Heather was always a beautiful person and had such a great sense of humor and adventure. Is it not true how people just gravitated to her! She will be missed by all,

Love Margaret and family

“I promise that today you will be in Paradise” Luke 23,verse 43.

Len, Lauren, Jaime and Kelly,

When I heard of Heather’s death this week I was filled with a combination of joy and sadness. Why joy? Because whenever I think of Heather, a smile comes to my face as I picture her smile and her shining eyes.

You might not remember this, but Heather was diagnosed with cancer about a month after my mum was diagnosed. At the time, I was teaching music to all 3 of you girls at Webber Academy. The diagnosis of my mum left me feeling run over by a truck. When I heard about Heather’s diagnosis, all I could think about was how little your girls were and how impossible it would have seemed to you. You might remember talking about our moms having cancer at school sometimes, but maybe you don’t and that’s ok too.

Then, my mom got better and Heather did too. Then Heather got sick again and my mom did too and even though I didn’t see your girls anymore, you were still in my heart every time I ran for the cure or went to a Chemo treatment.

Some of my joy this week came from the realization that Heather was able to see you grow from the little people you were to the women you are becoming.

I can’t be with you at the funeral but I have been with you all every moment since I heard the news. I am sending wishes of strength and love to all of you.

Even though I am crying tears, I am smiling through them at all the great memories I have of Heather and her kindness, strength, passion for life, and her beauty both in and out.

God bless you and your family.

Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your wife and mother. I lost my mother very early and I know the burden you bear. Your family is in our prayers. In time the good memories will lessen the hurt and heal the wounds that hurt so deeply today.

Daryl & Mary Pratt & family.

Teri – Liz and I are so terribly sorry to hear of your loss, having our two girls we understand how close sisters can be.

You and your family can be assured that our prayers and thoughts will be with you

God Bless

Lee and Liz

Len,

We were so sorry to read of Heather’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

We will all miss Heather. I looked up to her as an older cousin and will be continuously inspired by her fantastic sense of humour and her strength.

I send you thoughts of peace and courage.

My thoughts and love are with you from afar. I hope your memories of happier times grow more vivid whilst your sorrow subsides.

Only 6 weeks of age and 6,000 miles of distance separated us but I felt I had a “kindred spirit” within my family.

All my Love

Jonathan Goldsmith (Cousin on the Macdonald side)

and also on behalf of

Sally Goldsmith nee Macdonald (Aunt)

Rainer Goldsmith

and my wife Rita Mulvey-Goldsmith

To the Webber family:

I worked with Heather on the Run and the Survivor’s Parade which she was such a large part of for a few years. She put up such a good fight against this disease but finally her body got tired, her spirit never did. Her warmth, humour and tenacity will always be remembered by those who knew her. Carry her in your heart and she’ll be with you always. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of everyone whose path she crossed.

God speed Heather, rest well – you deserve it.

Corinne Davey

I will always remember Heather. Her smile, her spirit, her tenacity. She was a force to be reckoned with. She inspired me.

Gisèle Tennant

Len, Lauren, Jaime and Kelly,

Our most sincere sympathies to you and your extended families on your loss.

Doug and Marlene Cherry

Heather was a truly inspirational woman, a wonderful mother, a strong, brave warm and positive woman. We are so proud to be her cousin.

With all our love and heartfelt thoughts

Alexandra and Therona xxx

All of us at the YMCA are so saddened by the loss of such a lovely, warm person. Please know that we are praying for your family.

Len, Lauren, Jaime & Kelly

Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in our thoughts and prayers. She will be dearly missed.

Cindy, Daryl, Kaila, Jenna, & Ben Stepanic

Len, Lauren, Jamie and Kelly,

Girls, we were so sorry to hear about your mom and Len, your wonderful wife.

She was a beautiful woman with such incredible strength. We have so many beautiful memories that will stay with us in our hearts. She will never be forgotten and she will always be loved.

We pray for you for strength and courage at this time. Please know you are not alone and you are well loved.

Hugs and warmth and love,

Michael and Sue

Kelly, Jaime and family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Your mom was so warm, kind and welcoming to us when we moved to Calgary. She was a great role model, beautiful person and an inspiration to us all. We are privileged to have known her!

All our love,

Annette and Danielle

Len, Lauren, Jaime and Kelly:

Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Heather. There are no words that can ease this difficult time, but know that the light she brought into this world will live on in all our hearts. She exemplified courage, generosity and friendship, leaving everyone who met her a better person. Her tireless efforts and indomitable spirit have truly left this world a better place.

We share your grief and send what strength we can.

Mike and Ali

Len and the girls,

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Heather was such a brave person. I admired her for the fight she put up. Every time I saw her, she seemed so positive and cheerful. She is an absolute inspiration to all of us.

Ines, Harvie, Eric, Andrew and Kirsten

To Len and family. So sorry to hear about the passing of Heather. The Heebee-jeebees (our acappella singing group consisting of Ken Lima-Coelho, Jonathan Love, Chris Herard and Cedric Blary) spent some chilly but wonderful mornings atop the scaffolding at CIBC Run for the Cure events cheering everyone on! Heather was relentlessly positive and it was an honour for our group to be with her looking down on that sea of support.

I wish to send condolences from myself and all of our family. Heather’s love of life is a profound inspiration for us all

With love,

Sheila Bothwell

Len, Lauren, Jaime, Kelly

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. May precious thoughts of Heather bring you peace as every day goes by.

Len and girls so sorry to hear of Heathers passing. Please know what an honor it was to have known her. She was beautiful inside and out and never will be forgotten. Please know Len, Lauren, Jamie, Kelly are in our prayers in the days to come. She may be gone but not forgotten. Love Janis &Richard Marz and family

Len and family,

I am so sorry – my deepest condolences on the passing of Heather, your treasure.

Gloria

Dearest Len, Lauren, Jaime and Kelly,

I join you all with a sad and broken heart. Your Heather, your Mom, was a very special person to me – one I will ALWAYS remember and hold as a lifetime memory.

I want you to know that the joy Heather brought to me – and to everyone who ever met her – is a gift that very few people offer.

I miss her now and will miss her forever more. What will be a comfort – and bring a smile to me in quiet times -will be the memories of our trips – our great talks on Sistership weekends and watching her coach – encouraging and bringing out the best in everyone. Her strength, her smile, her attitude and so much more was passed on to many.

That I travelled a small way in life with your dear Heather is a privilege I will cherish.

God Bless you all – and hugs to Lucy.

With all my heart,

Vicki Kranenburg

I offer my deepest sympathy to Heather’s loved ones. She was my AFLCA trainer in 1991 and supervised me for 6 years following that. I was aware of Heather’s struggle with breast cancer and saw her last about a year ago at the Northmount Drive Starbucks in Brentwood. She looked wonderful and smiled that beautiful smile that I will always remember. Heather was an inspiration to me and many others. She was so dedicated to fitness/wellness and promoted a positive attitude in everyone. She will be sorely missed. My prayers are with you.

Heather taught me my first AFLCA course when I was 17. Now 30 I still teach and still feel the impact of her love for fitness, love for people, and amazing, infectious energy. I can only imagine the thousands of other people who she has positively effected. Her strong heart will live on in all of us. I feel deeply for her family and close friends, me heart goes out to you.

Andy K

I shed many tears today for your mom, and your family. Heather was always a warm smiling face at Absolute studios or where ever we met. A positively amazing person with such strength. What an inspiration.

Always in our hearts,

Nancy and Sarah Palmer

Len, Lauren, Jamie, Kelly – I am so sorry for the loss of your wife and mother – Heather was a wonderful person and a true inspiration. I loved her sense of humour and I remember her from growing up with such a large group of cousins as one of the NICE ones! My thoughts and prayers are with you girls as you get through school and with you Len as you get through this difficult time.

Lots of Love,

Shelagh Benning

To Lauren, your sisters Jaime and Kelly and your Dad:

My sincere Heartfelt condolences to you all in the loss of your Mom and Wife. May you all find comfort and strength together during this sad and stressful time in the many fond memories and happy times you have spent with her. My prayers are with you all at this time and from this moment on may every smile you share with others be a sign of God’s peace in your hearts and in the knowledge he will help you through this!

Take Care

Paul F. McCarthy (Mike’s Dad)