We Remember

TWAITES, Heather Lisa Anne

November 30, 1960 — July 28, 2026

Heather was born on November 30, 1960, the middle daughter of Ken and Kaari Fraser. Heather passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, at the Kelowna General Hospital ICU with family by her side.

Heather grew up in Vancouver, BC, and in her younger years, she was very involved in the Girl Guides and Rangers. She graduated from Lord Byng Secondary School in 1978 and went on to get her Bachelor’s in Education from UBC in 1982.

Heather and Bill started dating in 1978 and got married in 1982; together they enjoyed 44 years of marriage. Their son, Dan, was born in 1988, and their daughter, Melissa, was born in 1991. They welcomed their granddaughter, Zoey, in 2022.

Heather loved children of all ages and worked with them throughout her whole adult life. Heather taught elementary classrooms in Fraser Lake and Greater Victoria, held noon hour supervisor roles in Kelowna, worked in early childhood education in Kelowna, and her most important life’s work was raising her own children and beloved grandchild.

Heather was predeceased by her parents, Ken and Kaari Fraser, and brother-in-law Gerard. She is survived by her loving husband Bill; son Dan (Katrina) and daughter Melissa (Rhys); and granddaughter Zoey; as well as her sisters Janice and Barbara (Trenor) and brothers-in-law Bob (Jo) and Brian (Helen); and nieces and nephews Leanne, Phillip, Clare, Elizabeth, James, Owen, Madison, and Connolly.

Heather loved the outdoors, birds (especially quails), flowers (especially wildflowers-columbines were her favourite), reading, and particularly her family.

Travelling was very special to Heather, and the family enjoyed many BC and international vacations throughout their lives. Bill and Heather had been travelling more often recently in their semi-retirement, with international cruises to Central America, Alaska, Europe, and Scandinavia being highlights. Bill will always treasure these memories. Bill and Heather also frequented Yellow Point Lodge on Vancouver Island, having taken their honeymoon there and making it a bi-annual place to revisit with many good friends there.

She touched the lives of many and was taken far too soon.

Bill, Melissa, and Dan would like to thank the nurses, doctors, social workers, respiratory therapists, and all other staff at the KGH Emergency and ICU for their compassionate care of Heather right to the end.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that a donation be made to the KGH foundation in her honour.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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KGH Foundation Link: www.kghfoundation.com

 


 


Condolences

  • Herb, Linda Tyler says:

    Dear Bill, we were shocked and so sorry to hear the news about Heather. May God‘s grace be with you and your family, Herb and Linda Tyler

  • Guylaine Angers says:

    All my condoleances to Bill and the family.

  • Tom and Shirley Cole says:

    Bill, Dan, Heather and Families,
    We were saddened to hear of Heather’s passing. We have many fond memories of chats with both of you as you did your regular walks along Athalmer Road. May precious family memories help all of you at this time and in the days ahead.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Tom and Shirley

  • Tom and Shirley Cole says:

    Bill, Dan, Melissa and Families,
    We were saddened to hear of Heather’s passing. We have many fond memories of chats with both of you as you walked regularly in the Athalmer Road neighbourhood. May precious family memories help each one of you at this time and in the days ahead.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Tom and Shirley

  • Donna Fraser says:

    We were so very sorry to hear about Heather’s tragic passing.
    We cannot think of words to express our sorrow. Heather was an extremely kind and nurturing soul. She was very proud of the accomplishments of Melissa and Dan ,as she should be, as she helped raise them to be two young thoughtful intelligent devoted adults. She shared her enthusiasm for the outdoors with her gardening and volunteering with Girl Guides, and more recently with her rediscovered joy of camping.
    She will always be remembered by those who love her.
    If there is anything we can do to help you through this difficult time please don’t hesitate to ask
    Love Donna, Malcolm and Alec, Suzanne and Tony

  • Julie and Karl Kuipers says:

    Bill, Dan and Mellissa
    There are no words… our thoughts are with you in this super sad time.

  • Brent Hunter says:

    Bill, Dan & Melissa, Barbara and Janice,
    I send you my sincere condolences in your loss of Heather. Very hard to find appropriate words to express my sorrow at her passing. We all shared a happy childhood in West Point Grey. We had Scouts, Guides, the Fraser’s were members of West Point Grey United Church and our parents were all acquainted. I went to Lord Byng High School with all the Fraser girls and you Bill, lived up the Street on 6th Avenue as we did.
    Since then you have raised a family and created your own memories which I trust will sustain you as you navigate the difficult months ahead. Out thoughts are with you.
    Fondly,
    Brent Hunter

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