Heather Mae Klassen

June 6, 1950 — April 12, 2024

Heather’s profession was hairdressing, which she loved so much, but she had many other interests, as well. She loved carpentry, including planning, building, and roofing her house in Errington, where she lived for over 30 years. She even hand-split all the shakes for the roof of that big house, and built the beautiful deck and the fence that surrounded the large property.

Heather loved gardening. She had giant, lush hanging baskets every year, along with rhododendrons, azaleas, and her grandmother’s peonies that filled her yard. She also kept several hummingbird feeders filled year-round, and they were always buzzing with activity!

Heather rode a motorcycle for many years, which she took on a trip along the Oregon coast one year. She had it parked at her salon one day, where it fell over. This made her so mad – not because the bike hit the ground, but because she thought it made women riders look bad! She took great pride in being able to do anything a man could do.

Heather loved the outdoors. She loved to fish, and had a small boat that she would take her grandson, Matthew, in. She also used to go moose hunting in Saskatchewan with her sister Merle’s husband, Bernie. Heather was also a familiar face around the Dorman shotgun range and loved to participate in the clay shooting events.

Heather was a very generous woman. She would go out of her way to help people, often giving rides to strangers (which we discouraged!). She always felt like she could hold her own. She always left a cold water bottle and a can of Coke in the cooler for the garbage man, and she would take donuts, cookies, and the occasional case of beer to the staff at Buckerfield’s. If she saw her son-in-law, Chris, out working on a job, she would stop with treats for him and all the guys.

Heather enjoyed going to the casino. She had ‘her’ machine, and she liked to play Keno. When she did well, she was happy to share! Her and her husband, Hank, rang in many New Years in Las Vegas. She always loved a good party and a reason to dress-up and sparkle.

Heather is predeceased by her son, Brian Gordon, and her brother, Bruce McLeod. She leaves behind her loving husband, Hank Klassen; brother, Bob McLeod (Kathy); sister, Merle Bailas (Bernie); daughter, Bonnie Gordon (Chris Leonard); daughter-in-law, Kam Grewal; grandchildren, Matthew (Nicola), Katelyn (Lucas), Michelle, Kevin, and Mackenzie; and great-grandchildren, Ava and James.

Her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 25 from 2-5pm at Nanoose Place Community Centre, 2925 Northwest Bay Rd.

Many thanks to the staff at Trillium Hospice Palliative Care, who made Heather’s last days as comfortable as possible. For those who are interested, a donation to Oceanside Hospice can be made in Heather’s name by calling 250-752-6227.

Lives Cherished and Celebrated