SUTHERLAND, Heather Isabella (nee Mackay)

Surrounded by her loving family, our beloved Heather passed away peacefully at Rosedale Hospice at the age of 72 years. Born to James and Christina Mackay,  “Dea”, as she was affectionately called by family, was raised in Cochrane. She married Garry in 1967, spending 52 wonderful years together.

Heather had a wonderful, full life. Heather loved her work in the Airlines and developed a deep appreciation for travel and together with Garry they visited 53 countries. Being very social, she made many lifelong friends along the way. Heather was  adventurous; one of the things she was most proud of was walking the Great Wall of China. She had a bucket list and checked everything off  it!

Heather cared deeply for everyone in her life and time spent with her family and friends was most important to her. There was always an open door and all were welcome; there were many guests for family dinners! Along with her passion for cooking, she was  skilled at needlepoint, quilting and gardening . Heather was  an avid volunteer, supporting many causes over the years. Two especially dear to her heart were with the Alberta Children’s Hospital and the Calgary Firefighter’s Toy Association, which she was part of for 50 years.

Heather will be deeply missed by her husband Garry; her daughters Dana (Michael Bishop) Sutherland and Meghan (Mark) Tayfel; her grandchildren Sidney, Isabella and Colin; her siblings Allan (Marlaine), Rhona (John) and Robyn (Bruce); her brother-in-law Wayne (Diane) Sutherland; numerous extended family and many wonderful friends. 

Through Heather’s journey in illness, there were many people who offered amazing support. Her family  especially want to thank the Cochrane Palliative Care Team and the staff at Rosedale Hospice.

A private family interment will take place at the Cochrane Cemetery. A Celebration of Heather’s Life will take place in the weeks ahead.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rosedale Hospice www.hospicecalgary.ca/rosedale. 

Arrangements entrusted to Cochrane Country Funeral Home, Florence (Flo) Simpson, Funeral Director. Ph: 403-932-1039.

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  1. On June 14, 2019 at 10:00 am Ray Nicoll Said:

    RIP thanks for helping me through high school

  2. On June 14, 2019 at 5:00 pm Bob &Truda Whitfield Said:

    Garry, Allan, Rhona, Robyn and all family members our sincere condolences on Heathers passing. Our thoughts are with you.

  3. On June 15, 2019 at 5:41 am allan& carole hall Said:

    we are so sorry for your loss

  4. On June 15, 2019 at 6:20 am Al & Joyce Hird Said:

    Gary and family.

    Offering our deepest condolences on Heather’s passing. We hope that your memories will comfort you during this difficult time.

  5. On June 15, 2019 at 7:05 am Paul/Carol Gough Said:

    Garry, know our sincere thoughts are with you. Take comfort in your family and friends.

  6. On June 15, 2019 at 7:18 am Sheila Walroth (McGonigle) Said:

    Although I haven’t been it touch with Heath for many year I was in school with here for grades 1-12. I remember that her birthday was one day after mine. I have many memories from long ago. My heartfelt sympathies grout to all her family and friends.

  7. On June 15, 2019 at 7:48 am Gordon Lemke Said:

    Sincere condolences Gordon Lemke

  8. On June 15, 2019 at 11:28 am Steve Wallace Said:

    Our deepest condolences to Garry and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless, Steve Wallace & Dawn Wallace

  9. On June 15, 2019 at 2:14 pm Ann Feasel Said:

    To the Sutherland Family:

    Our deepest sympathy to your Family on the loss of Heather. I remember Heather so well from working with the community kindergarten and guiding organizations back in the 70’s, she was always so willing to lend a hand, our thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Rest well Heather, Sincerely The Feasel Family.

  10. On June 16, 2019 at 7:03 am George and Gail lauder Said:

    Our deepest sympathy to all the Family . Heather was a very neat lady!!,
    RIP heather!!

  11. On June 16, 2019 at 7:04 am George and Gail laudel Said:

    Our deepest sympathy to all the Family . Heather was a very neat lady!!,
    RIP heather!!

  12. On June 16, 2019 at 11:08 am Janice Miller Said:

    The Sutherland Family,
    It was a total pleasure to work with Heather at Canadian Airlines lots of good times and laughs at work. So glad to have worked with her over the years and be inspired by her sense of Adventure and discovering new places. Thinking of you at this sad time. Janice

  13. On June 16, 2019 at 12:05 pm Mike McGhie Said:

    My deepest sympathy goes out to the Sutherland family. Heather was a wonderful lady and will be deeply missed by all that knew her. Rest in Peace Heather.

  14. On June 16, 2019 at 12:52 pm donna fraser Said:

    Our hearts are saddened with the news of Heather’s passing, love Len and Donna

  15. On June 16, 2019 at 2:18 pm Bill Lockwood Said:

    Our deepest sympathies to Gary and family. Heather will be sadly missed by all.

    Bill Lockwood and Ardeth Bent

  16. On June 16, 2019 at 6:53 pm Robert Weir Said:

    To the Sutherland Family,
    I was so saddened to hear of Heather’s passing. Lovely memories of that small condo in Hawaii and of the many visits in your home across from Alex Munro. Thinking of you all.
    Bob

  17. On June 16, 2019 at 7:31 pm Calgary Fire Department Pensioners Association Said:

    Our sincere condolences to Garry and the Sutherland and MacKay Families. We had many a good time together on and off the job. Heather did many wonderful things big and small for many causes, and personally, like having us bumped up to First Class on vacation flights and going for some MacKays Ice Cream.Cherish those memories Garry…Gary & Dana and the CFD Pensioners.

  18. On June 17, 2019 at 2:27 am Faye Husch Said:

    Garry and family we would like to give our sincere condolences. She will truly be missed by many.
    Alanna,RJ,Faye Husch

  19. On June 17, 2019 at 3:28 am Palma Heming Said:

    My heart goes out to you and your family, Garry. My deepest sympathies. Palma Heming

  20. On June 17, 2019 at 5:41 am Arie and Arlene Segstro Said:

    Garry

    We are saddened to hear of Heather’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.

    Arie and Arlene Segstro

  21. On June 17, 2019 at 5:44 am Earle Clarke Said:

    Garry, our hearts go out to you and the family. Heather will be missed by so many as she was a great friend and wonderful to work with. Heather and I spent many hours working on the Toy Association for the 9 years I was the Chairman. She worked tirelessly on the committee without complaint. Pat and I offer our condolences to you, Dana, Meghan and their families.

  22. On June 17, 2019 at 5:51 am Cheryl MacKenzie Said:

    Dear Garry and family,

    I’m so sorry to hear of Heather’s passing. I remember her from the many Fire Department events and Christmas parties when we were at Training. She was such a fun and friendly lady.

    I’m glad she got to check off everything in her bucket list.

    My sincere condolences to you all and my thoughts are with you.

    Cheryl MacKenzie

  23. On June 17, 2019 at 6:51 am Stephen and Jill Press Said:

    rusell52@hotmail.com

    Garry and family we were very sadden to her of Heathers passing.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with at this time.
    Stephen and Jill

  24. On June 17, 2019 at 6:53 am Troy & Hinke Koch Said:

    Our sincerest condolences. Our hearts are broken. We will always cherish the memories we shared through our work with the Fire Department and Ward Air. Heather gave her all to all the charities that she worked and to her family. We shared so many memories with Heather as new families growing in new neighbourhoods. Will miss the smile and sense of fun.
    Our hearts are with you and your family

  25. On June 17, 2019 at 6:57 am Al Mathers Said:

    My condolences to you and your family Garry

  26. On June 17, 2019 at 7:05 am Allan Rothery Said:

    So sorry for your loss Garry.

  27. On June 17, 2019 at 7:24 am Orlo & Louise Said:

    Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Heather was always a happy person, engaging and friendly. At the Children’s Christmas party, she was always so feastive with a warm smile and kind words that made the day that much more fun. Our hearts are with you.

  28. On June 17, 2019 at 7:41 am Alex & Shaun Middleton Said:

    Sorry to hear about Heather’s passing. She was a wonderful Mother and wife. Our thoughts are with you Garry & the rest of the family.

  29. On June 17, 2019 at 7:48 am Russ Bilton Said:

    So sorry for your loss Garry. I remember a lovely lady with the most beautiful smile. My condolences to you and your family.

  30. On June 17, 2019 at 8:12 am Ted and Lilian Heynen Said:

    Garry, we wish you and your family much strength at this most difficult time. May your heavy hearts be lightened in knowing that Heather had a wonderful journey through life, accomplished everything she set out to do and gave so much of herself to all she knew, especially to those she loved.

  31. On June 17, 2019 at 8:32 am Rory Evans Said:

    I remember Heather always had this big beaming smile that was always welcoming and joyful.She will be surely missed

  32. On June 17, 2019 at 10:26 am Don Wilson Said:

    Garry, we are so saddened and so sorry to hear of Heathers passing,our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Carla Don Mark Curtis

  33. On June 17, 2019 at 10:47 am Blaine Gray Said:

    Garry…I am so saddened to hear of Heathers passing and my deepest sympathies go out to you. I personally will miss the hugs I always received every time we ran into each other and Heather’s ongoing smile. Stay strong with your memories my friend. Blaine

  34. On June 17, 2019 at 11:47 am Jim and Deb Chaytors Said:

    So sorry to hear of Heathers passing. May your may happy memories bring some happiness to you and your loved ones at this difficult time.

  35. On June 17, 2019 at 12:41 pm Garry and Eileen Purcell Said:

    Garry & family WE are so saddened to hear of Heathers passing we send our deepest sympathies

  36. On June 17, 2019 at 1:07 pm Austin Moran and Molly Jo Said:

    Gary and family. So sorry to hear of Heathers passing. I know she will be greatly missed. We send our deepest sympathies.

  37. On June 17, 2019 at 2:40 pm Brent and Bonnie Pedersen Said:

    So sorry to hear of Heather’s passing. She did have a very full life. Good for her and her bucket list. It doesn’t make the missing of her any easier but the memories Wow. All the best to Gary and family

  38. On June 17, 2019 at 4:46 pm Willie & Linda Underhill Said:

    Garry & family,
    Our hearts go out to you at this sad time. Heather will be fondly remembered by many who knew her. Her positive attitude and friendliness could always be counted on. I enjoyed our many conversations about gardening, and our garden visits. Our deepest condolences.

  39. On June 17, 2019 at 6:11 pm Stephanie and Kyle Said:

    We are thinking about you all at this difficult time. Heather was such a special person and we will miss her warm hugs, sense of humour, kindness and creative recipes in the kitchen. Lots of love. Xo

  40. On June 17, 2019 at 6:41 pm Doug and Shrley Newman Said:

    Please accept our sincere condolences, Garry and all the family. You are in our thoughts.

  41. On June 18, 2019 at 5:37 am Janet and Werner Said:

    Heather was a one-of-a-kind lady. She will be missed for sure. So sorry for this big loss. Garry, Dana and Meghan our thoughts and heart are with you. Janet and Werner

  42. On June 18, 2019 at 7:22 am Patricia & Les Said:

    Garry, Dana, & Meghan, sorry to hear of your loss of wife and Mother. Our condolences to all in the family. Such an untimely loss is always so sad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time. Love to all.

  43. On June 18, 2019 at 7:54 am Wendy Dawson Said:

    Dear Garry, Dana, Meghan,
    My sincere condolences for the loss of a very special lady, mother and friend.
    Cherish your memories.

  44. On June 18, 2019 at 11:48 am Stan & Jean Snowdy Said:

    Our Sincere condolences go out to Garry and Family.Our Harts & thoughts are with you.

  45. On June 18, 2019 at 3:03 pm Ian Higgs Said:

    Our deepest condolences to the Sutherland’s Family.
    Meghan your Mom will alway be in your heat and she will be always watching over you and your Family.
    Our heart and thoughts are with you, Mark, children and the rest of the family.
    Thinking of you in this sad moment.
    Ian, Erendira and the boys.

  46. On June 18, 2019 at 8:58 pm Tom and Connie Kelter Said:

    Sending our deepest condolences to the Sutherland families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  47. On June 19, 2019 at 8:16 am Shelley Glenn Said:

    We were so sad to here of Heather’s passing. We only knew her for a short time but in her knid way she touched our lives forever. Take care of yourselves.

  48. On June 19, 2019 at 8:29 am Julie O'Brien Said:

    To Gary, Family and friends of Heather,
    I send my deepest condolences to you all. Through my short time of knowing Heather, she was always the kindest and sweetest woman. It put a smile on my face just seeing her. I know she will be missed by so many, but I’m so glad you all have such beautiful memories with her. RIP xo
    Rest in peace Heather

  49. On June 19, 2019 at 3:38 pm Louise Cooper (nee Craig) Said:

    To the Sutherland family. I am so sorry for your loss. I went to school with Heather from grade one to about grade ten. I lost touch over the years but I will always remember the time we shared in Explorers and CGIT at the United Church.

  50. On June 19, 2019 at 5:41 pm Nelda Sharp Said:

    Heather was a young school girl when I first met her. She was friendly and always had a happy smile.My last memory of her was at a Chaps dinner. She grabbed me from behind in a surprise hug
    Although we saw little of each other over the years; I am happy to have known her.

  51. On June 20, 2019 at 6:35 am Dave and Patricia Buckler Said:

    Are thoughts are with the families of Heather may your memories help you in the coming years. Dave Buckler family

  52. On June 20, 2019 at 9:31 am Lee Hunt Said:

    To Heather’s family,

    I was so sorry to read of Heather’s passing. Though I have not seen her for many years (we worked together for CBE – before she “took flight” on her airline career), I recall her as a vivacious energetic person. Heather always made others feel “important” when she spoke with them. Her great smile was certainly memorable.
    How fortunate that Heather was able to check everything off her bucket list – including visiting 53 countries! WOW! Indeed, Heather shared with her family a full and determined life. May you have memories of many joyful times shared with Heather to help give you some comfort at this sorrowful time. Sincerely, Lee Hunt

  53. On June 20, 2019 at 2:53 pm Gord and Peggy Buckler Said:

    Garry and Family:
    Our hearts and thoughts are with you.

  54. On June 20, 2019 at 5:14 pm Erle & Shirley Said:

    So sorry for your loss. Lots of good memories.

  55. On June 20, 2019 at 6:28 pm Margaret Gayle Dionne Said:

    I am so sorry to read about your loss of Heather. Heather was a beautiful person. My thoughts are with you. Sincerely Gayle Dionne

  56. On June 21, 2019 at 11:16 am Sheilah Daniels-Smith Said:

    Garry, my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. May your sorrow be eased with grace. Know that we are all here if you need anything at all – even just a little chat. Big hugs

  57. On June 21, 2019 at 12:24 pm Scott & Kendra McDonald Said:

    We had the pleasure of meeting Heather at the last 2 infamous Sutherland holloween parties, always smiling and enjoying everyone’s company. She had a magnetic energy that people were drawn to. Over the last couple of years we’ve befriended her daughters, whom we adore very much. Heather will be missed greatly not just by her family, but all of those whom she met along her life’s journey.

  58. On June 21, 2019 at 1:39 pm Pierre, Jacquie & Staff at Portofino Said:

    We were so sorry to hear of Heather’s passing. She was such a bright and happy person, even through her illness. Her kindness and sense of humor will be greatly missed here at Portofino
    Our thoughts are with you

  59. On June 21, 2019 at 2:18 pm Leona Toner & family Said:

    Thinking of you at this hard time.

  60. On June 21, 2019 at 2:22 pm Pat Phipps (Dave) Said:

    We were saddened to hear of Heathers passing.
    I will always remember all the wonderful times Heather and I enjoyed together.
    Our deepest condolences.

  61. On June 22, 2019 at 9:23 am Dallas & Merv Tumak Said:

    We were very saddened to hear of Heather’s passing. Our sincere condolences to Gary and family

  62. On June 22, 2019 at 2:08 pm Stan and Lorelee Marshall Said:

    We are so very saddened to hear of Heather’s passing. Please know that we are thinking of you Gary, and your family at this very sad time. Our deepest condolences.

  63. On June 27, 2019 at 8:12 am Gloria Johnson Said:

    Garry, Dana, Meghan and family. I share your sorrow in the loss of a wife, mother and grandmother and a good friend. My sincere condolences.

  64. On June 28, 2019 at 9:45 am Josee and Steve Samosinski Said:

    Dear Garry, Meghan and Dana,
    We are so deeply saddened to hear of Heather’s passing. She shared the same birthday as Steve…only 72 years old yet 52 years as your beloved wife, Garry…how wonderful! Please know that our thoughts are with you and yours during this very sad time..

  65. On July 3, 2019 at 5:51 pm Ken Bilben Said:

    My sincerest condolences to your family Garry. I never had the opportunity to meet your wife but from what I read she
    was an amazing person. May you cherish the memories.

  66. On July 3, 2019 at 5:53 pm Ken Bilben Said:

    My sincerest condolences to your family Garry.

  67. On June 5, 2021 at 4:35 pm Greg & Diana Schmaltz Said:

    We are so sorry to hear of Heather’s passing some time ago. Garry, our condolences to you and your family. We hope this message finds it’s way to you!