Heather Bacon was always sending positive energy. Throughout her 70 years, she touched the lives of so many people with her vibrant spirit and upbeat, encouraging attitude. She exuded love and life with genuine care and curiosity for the people around her. Her life was a journey of inspiration, courage and hope.

Heather Dawn Bacon (nee McCall) was welcomed with joy by parents Shirley and Don McCall in Saskatoon on October 23, 1954. She was raised not only by her parents but also by her Nana, the vivacious Edyth Schwanbeck. Both Heather’s hardworking mother and Nana were strong female figures in her life that greatly influenced her life’s passion of being an advocate for all women. She spent her life honouring the values and wisdom of these independent, resolute women through her university studies by receiving a degree in Women’s and Gender studies and psychology, as well as through her work in editing a women’s health newsletter for many years with her dear friend Dr. Vicki Holmes.

In her early years, Heather proved to be a best friend, confidante and protector to her younger sister Cher (Robertson) and baby brother Cory, whom they looked up to and tried to emulate. While she was often the leader in many of their shenanigans, Cher and Cory always admired her many accomplishments and talents whether it was sewing, competing in highland dance, attending King Edward school, or playing volleyball and basketball. Heather was a passionate seamstress at a young age and was even hired by a local fashion designer to create patterns for his creations. She would later use her skills to make her sister’s wedding gown, clothing, grad and bridesmaid dresses for her girls, and of course the meticulously handmade ornate Christmas stockings for all of her babies, grandbabies and even furbabies. The stockings were painstakingly created by Heather with so much detail, thought, time and love.

Even though at birth her head could fit into a teacup, she was smart as a whip and her small frame could never contain her full spirit. Her lifelong love of learning began at Churchill School where she got noticed for being a brainiac and was invited to attend King Edward, a school for advanced learners. Her education continued on through highschool at Aden Bowman Collegiate, and then entered into the computer science program initially at the University of Sask, but returned to university later in life to finish her Bachelor of Arts degree. She has been an inspiration to her daughters, Cara and Jana, who had the privilege to both attend university with her, taking classes alongside her in Women’s & Gender Studies. She showed her girls the confidence and capabilities of women, and that it is never too late to continue with your education. Even after receiving her baccalaureate, Heather never stopped learning new things or taking on new projects.

Her creativity shone through from her days at the paddling pool, making tissue paper flowers for floats, and through her love for music which began from the time she started piano, to flute in highschool and then to creating music and special songs for her grandbabies. She thoughtfully created special memories and celebrations for people in her life. Her love for creating memorable family Christmases would begin in October when she would carefully select the right gift for each family member and ensure each package was beautifully wrapped. Her attention to detail and thoughtful gifts were unsurpassed. It was a challenge every year for Kirk to pack the Tahoe Christmas sleigh to deliver the gifts on their Christmas tour to visit all of their kids and grandkids.

Heather’s partner, protector and husband, Kirk, was the love of her life and they truly enjoyed their life and time together. They raised 5 children together in a beautifully blended family of Cara Orr, Jana Orr (Andrew Stoll), Kent Bacon (Angela), Paul Bacon & Rob Bacon (Fahn) who collectively gave them 12 fabulous grandkids, Ty & Rex Winacott, Finn, Dane, Neve & Ivy Stoll, Carter & Cozzy, Amelia & Mylo, Archer & Briar Bacon. Heather was most proud of the births of her two beautiful girls, Cara and Jana, at least until her grandbabies came along and she became Nani. Being Nani to these kids has been her pride and joy and she took on the new role with exuberant energy. She was always willing to get on the floor to play any game, hang upside down from the monkey bars, cheer the kids on at any sporting event, and be able to share with the kids her authentic silly, fun, and sometimes wild ways. Her enthusiasm and joy for her family was always evident in all that she did.

She was a forever friend to a few special people, such as Lindy Antonini and Susan Thurgood, as well as her predeceased close friends Robin Phillips and Lois Lehne (nee Robinson) who remained very dear to her heart. She also maintained friendships with the girls on the block, her lake friends as well as many friendships made through both hers and Kirk’s work.

In 1998, at the age of 43, Heather was diagnosed with esophageal/stomach cancer that gave her 4-8 weeks left to live. Kirk stood by her throughout her arduous cancer journey and became her greatest caregiver. She fought for her life with a determination to be able to see her kids graduate highschool, attend their weddings, and become a grandmother. She was more than successful in completing all on her survival list and for this we are very grateful to be able to have had her love in our lives. Her survival story of her battle with cancer inspired her to champion and provide hope to many others throughout their cancer journey. She spoke at medical conferences to share her story of hope and healing through both traditional and alternative therapies. Not only did she outlive medical expectations, but she created a Cancer Survivor information package that she loved to share with anyone who could use advice, information and positive affirmations.

Heather attributes her healing and spiritual growth to the family cabin at the LAAAAKE. The lake was her happy place with a scenic tranquil view that provided her with peace. Just be sure to never hang a towel or life jacket that might obscure the view. She adored watching the kids tube, waterski, kayak and swim and cherished her time with many lake friends that became their lake family through barbecues, happy hours, campfires and lambfests. Any day was a good day to be at the lake, but even better if you could be out on the boat.

Heather passed away on November 4th in Calgary, but her spirit lives on through her friends, family and all those whose lives she touched. She loved and cared for people in a way that is unmatched. Always there when we needed her, always being the ear to listen to our troubles, going above and beyond to ensure we knew we were loved and taken care of. Through music, silliness, creativity and being authentically herself, she taught us all how to live life with joy and on our own terms.

She did not wish to have a funeral but the family will host a celebration in her honour at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Beads of Courage charity that she volunteered with. It is a program dedicated to providing seriously ill children with a bead to visualize their journey of courage and resilience, aligning with Heather’s motto of always sending positive energy.  To donate, please visit https://beadsofcouragec.app.n…

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/heather-bacon/obituary/

Copy