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HEATHER CHRISTENSEN Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for HEATHER CHRISTENSEN
Jill Elliott
November 6, 2009
Heather, I would just like to tell you and your family how much your friendship meant to me both as a fellow band director and Utah marching band member. I so loved being around you. I would always (while you were at ALA)love to come and judge the bands and ensembles and I enjoyed working with your Percussion Line and all of the private drum students you would send me. I enjoyed all of the times we were able just to sit and talk. I missed those times when you moved up to American Fork and miss them even more now. I was going to have you come and judge woodwinds at our last festival , but was never able to get hold of you. It was a pleasure and an Honor to know you. I am so glad that I was one of the lucky few to have met you and been your friend for the short time you were here. I hope you are doing great where you are. I think they needed the best band teacher up there and of course, out of all of the good band directors out there, you were chosen. I will miss you greatly and hope your family is doing well. Your funeral was amazing. I can only hope to get even a third that many people at mine and I'd be happy!!! I am sorry, but I use your line, "I am not calling you fat or ugly but stay on your dot" in band all of the time. The students think I am weird, but it is only in honor of you.
Love,
Jill Elliott
Band director Spanish Fork Junior high and Friend of Heather Christensen.
Kiwanis Club of East Spokane
October 19, 2009
We were touched by the story of Heather and wish to pass along our condolences for her loss, to the family and the community. We commemorated her life this Saturday, October 17th by dedicating our highway cleanup in her honor. Our lives are blessed by her's.
Christy Smith Williams
October 19, 2009
I only knew Heather a short time while she did her student teaching at Woods Cross High. It was my senior year. I played the clarinet and was struck by how well she adapted to any situation and could make any exercise fun and worthwhile. As I read the many articles on her life, I'm impressed with all she accomplished. She truly was an asset to the music community, and will be sorely missed. My condolences to your family.
October 18, 2009
I went to high school with Heather and was in band with her. She was always cheerful and quick to accept and include everyone. Everyone could see the light of Christ in her. She was a leader and could quickly calm those "out of hand" in band just using her voice. I appreciated her smile each time I came in the band room and her words of encouragement. She truly was an amazing person who was just too good for this world.
Jenna Wilkins Fluckiger
October 18, 2009
I went to high school with Heather and was in band with her. She was always cheerful and quick to accept and include everyone. Everyone could see the light of Christ in her. She was a leader and could quickly calm those "out of hand" in band just using her voice. I appreciated her smile each time I came in the band room and her words of encouragement. She truly was an amazing person who was just too good for this world.
October 18, 2009
We send our deepest sympathy to you and your families. What a hero she was and so talented in many ways. Our prayers are with you at this very hard time and may you be blessed with love and peace.
Rick & Rebecca Roper Child
Thomas Gardiner
October 17, 2009
I went to school with Heather and spent a lot of time with her (in band as a clarinet and in Chamber choir). The one thing that I remember about Heather is how competitive she was. She always wanted to be the best at whatever she was doing.
She was an awesome friend and I will miss her dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Robert Jones
October 16, 2009
I too, never knew Heather; but after what she did for those students, and for my friends who were on that bus, I owe a huge debt of gratitude for her heroism, and love for her friends, and my friends. I will always remember her; and hold a special place in my heart for her.
Heather Heil
October 16, 2009
My daughter was on the bus. Words will never be able to express how I feel about Heather and what she did. I believe that if not for Heather's quick and brave actions that night, many others would have died too. I will forever be grateful that she was there, and courageous and selfless enough to put herself in harm's way to save her kids.
I did not have the opportunity in this life to know Heather personally, but she was a tremendous influence on my two daughters who were lucky enough to call her their teacher. They loved her and knew that she loved them.
My family and I pray that you will find peace and comfort. Heather's influence will live on in all the kids whose lives she touched and all the kids whose lives she saved.
Heather Hammon Heil
Candice Monsen
October 16, 2009
I never have met heather, but I have heard her story from many people that knew her and she impacted in life. She is a part of AF and Riverton High to this day, and to so many other people. Just her traditions at Riverton have made my colorguard experience anymore. We all love her, and will remember her forever.
My condolences,
Love Candice Monsen
Jeanette Marsh
October 16, 2009
To Heather's parents and family -
I had the privilege of knowing and working with Heather as she began the Riverton High band and for the first three years she was there. My daughter was one of the band students Heather called her "poster children." They were the kids who started high school (and band) the same year Heather started teaching. I was chosen to be the first band booster president at RHS, and as such, worked closely with Heather as we parents organized to help with band camps and competitions and to set fund-raising traditions. I also was fortunate enough to go on all the band trips those first three years.
I want to thank you for raising a wonderful daughter. Heather worked hard at everything that needing working on, and played hard when it was time to play. She expected the best not only from her friends and students, but most of all from herself. She threw her whole self into everything she did, and made everyone around her feel good.
It was very evident that Heather loved her family. She had photos of herself with her sisters all over her office, and often talked with great joy about her nieces and nephews. She once made the comment to me that one of the things she looked forward to most in her life was her family attending the Temple together.
It was wonderful to see Heather grow into her role as teacher, and I will be eternally grateful to have known Heather Christensen and to have called her my friend.
I will be waiting with great anticipation to hear the band she is probably already organizing in Heaven!
Jonathan Simpson
October 16, 2009
On Tuesday, October 13th, in honor of Heather and the AF band, the band students here at CHHS wore red and black as well as red and black ribbons over their hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with Heather’s family, the AF band, and the Junior High School band during this time. We know that Heather is a hero, not only in the way that she died, but in the way that she lived her life. She was my Drum Major at the University of Utah and I learned much of what I know about marching band from her. She will always be a part of CHHS bands because of the many things that she taught me.
Sincerely,
Jon Simpson
Copper Hills High School
Director of Bands
Genny Bull
October 16, 2009
Heather made me a part of her family the first year I lived in Utah while being part of her Marching Band. She knew how to make me smile, and I am so lucky to have known her. She will never be forgotten. I love her so much. Heather and her family are in my prayers.
Lance kidrick
October 15, 2009
Kay, Annette and Family. I am so sorry to hear about Heathers passing, I went to High School with heather, she was always very nice. I am from your ward back when Kay was Bishop. I will pray for all of you and the students god bless. Caveman Pride.
Julie Izatt
October 15, 2009
I knew Heather when I was at the U. as part of the marching band. She was an amazing person to know and be around. I remember that she was always laughing and getting everyone else to laugh too. She was always very nice and kind to me. I will always remember her sense of humor. Every time I listen to the marching band cds we made with her as drum major, I can picture her up there leading us and just the encouragement and direction that she gave us. I am so sorry for your loss.
Julie Christofferson
October 15, 2009
I feel fortunate to have known Heather for the past 11 or so years. I have watched her blossom through her professional career since working with her to set up the band program at Riverton - a tough job for anyone, let alone a first year teacher. She was a pro right from the start! I've also adjudicated and heard her musical ensemble's performances throughout her career at all 3 schools. The quality of what the students were able to accomplish under her direction was consistently outstanding. She was always professional in expecting the best from her students, yet she was so much more. She was a great role model for work ethic, teamwork, friendship and caring - and oh yes, musicianship. Teenagers have a sixth sense about teachers, and don't give their loyalty and trust to just anyone. Heather earned it because of her passion for music and for her honest, genuine love of kids. I join the many who will deeply miss this wonderful young woman. There is some comfort in knowing that when she passed it was in the service of others and being involved with her life's goal and passion. May we all be so fortunate. Her influence and inspiration will live on in the music education community for many years to come!
Ken and Ricki Jean Allen
October 15, 2009
Heather was an adopted daughter in our family. She was Kara's roommate in college and a dear friend throughout the years following. We love Heather and will miss her greatly. She blessed our home and lives many times throughout the years. Her sense of humor, tight hugs, and love of family of friends will always be an inspiration to us. To know Heather, was to love her. Our memories began in the little apartment in Salt Lake City where she, Kara, Sarah, Jen and Becky became their own little "family". We are privileged to have been a part of her life. She will forever be in our hearts. We look forward to the day we will see her again and share all the love she brought into our lives. We take comfort in knowing she is with Heavenly Father engaged in His work. May Heavenly Father bless and comfort your family now and in the time to come is our Prayer.
Ken and Ricki Jean Allen
Lyman, Wyoming
Janice England
October 15, 2009
Dear Christensen Family,
My son was in the first marching band at Riverton High. Heather was an amazing influence on him the two years he was in the marching band. I worked with her to do fund raising for the new uniforms that the band needed and was very impressed with the way she worked with the students to encourage them and bring out the best in each one of them. She would have done anything for her students, I wasn't surprised that it was her that jumped up and did what she could to help the students on that bus. We as a family will always remember her. I am so sorry for your loss, you raised an amazing daughter.
Vasilios Emmanuel Glimidakis
October 15, 2009
Dear Christensen and other families,
I am sorry for your loss. God bless her and her family.
In memory of Heather Christensen
A true and faithful woman who gave her life saving many others on October 10, 2009 in this location. God alone understands.
Sarah (Birdsall) Huizingh
October 15, 2009
To Heather's family -
I feel so blessed for these past 11 years that I have been able to call Heather my friend. It is still unreal to me that she is gone, for she, more than any person I know, was so full of life and laughter. I know that we are sad, but she is not. Our sweet memories and the music of her life will live on forever in each of our hearts - at just 33, she truly left behind a legacy. It was so fun to see her dreams of teaching music come true. Remembering the way she lived her life inspires me to be a better person. I offer my most sincere apologies that I cannot attend her services Saturday, but I will still be celebrating her that day and many to come. "Rather than mourn the absence of the flame, let us celebrate how brightly it glowed." We now have an angel with the name of Heather.
Molly Larson
October 15, 2009
My 13-year-old daughter Becca is part of the band program at AF Jr High. She also loves to perform in musicals, so she was especially excited when she found out that this happy and enthusiastic teacher was going to direct a musical! She signed up immediately to be a part of the Up With Kids production of "The Wonderfully Wicked Wizard of Oz."
Becca convinced her 2 younger sisters to sign up, but they were not sure if they wanted to do it. After the first rehearsal, they were completely won over by Miss Heather and couldn't wait for the next rehearsal. They miss her and want to dedicate the show and their performances to her.
I was amazed by her energy and wondered how she found the time to do all that she did. She influenced many, many lives "for good" and will be greatly missed.
Thank you, Heather, for your example and for all that you did for my girls in the short time they knew you.
Arven D Hansen
October 15, 2009
Even though I did not know Heather personally I was indeed touched by her passing. May her family always remember the good times and the memories with Heather. Heather must of been a friend and an example to all and loved everyone. May you rest in peace until we all meet beyond. I love you Heather.
Love Arven
Holly Leffler
October 14, 2009
Heather is our Hero. What a tragic loss to have Heather gone. She will be missed by family and friends. Heather was a angel in this life always helping everyone. She always had a smile. But Heather completed the work she needed to do here and a greater work for her to do in the next life. But the loving arms of Heavenly Father are around her. She was so brave by taking the wheel of the bus. She saved so many lives on that bus. Hero's come when we least expect it. What a jewel Heather was. We pray for your family at this time.
Angie Reed
October 14, 2009
I do not personally know Heather but my children are in Miss Melodies class and I know how wonderful all the teachers are and how passionate they are about teaching. She sounds like she was a wonderful person and my heart goes out to her family, friends and students. I will keep you all in my prayers.
October 14, 2009
mMy condolences to Heather's family. She was an excellent teacher and friend. She taught me about music, discipline, passion, confidence, leadership, compassion, and finding my own way. I will never forget her or the influence she had on me.
Thank you, Heather, for believing in me and pushing me to be my best. You will be painfully missed.
Leah Tabet
Riverton HS band alum, 2000-2003
October 14, 2009
What a loss this tragic death of a loving, productive young woman is to her family, her students and all who knew and loved her. I want to extend my sincere sympathy to Heather's family and please know that I hold her in my prayers.
Sara Canales, Logansport IN (sister to Charles & Verlin Marie ( Boo) Riolo.
Spencer Clark
October 14, 2009
"Miss C" was my teacher and played a part in inspiring me to teach music. One thing she taught us was true class: NEVER say anything negative about other schools' bands, only praises for their hard work. She was always cheerful, yet knew how to get the work done. I will miss her.
October 14, 2009
The world should be mourning the loss of an unknown musical genius... She played how she spoke, which I found incredibly interesting... Elder Ikaika Keliiliki Brazil Joao Pessoa Mission
Margaret Kemp
October 14, 2009
To Heather's family and friends: You don't know me and I don't know you, but the accounts I've been reading in the news about the tragic accident that claimed Heather's life have touched me deeply. She sounds like a wonderful, caring woman. She made the ultimate sacrifice in trying to protect the young men and women in her care. My prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of such a special person.
Shauna Brinkley
October 14, 2009
Although I never met her, or knew of her before the bus accident, I truly believe the world was blessed to have had her here. Heather and her family and friends are in my heart and prayers. May god bless them all.
Steven Shepherd
October 14, 2009
Heather touched my life briefly, but in that small time I found her to be a truly remarkable person. I had the privilege of knowing Heather and being her boyfriend in late 2007 and early 2008 and everything that has been said about her is absolutely on the mark. Everywhere we went together, whether it was a restaurant, a symphony, or a stroll through the park, we ran into somebody who knew her amiably. She has had such an impact on so many students’ lives and was a blessing to all her friends and family as well. I went along with her on one of her color guard expeditions to San Diego and there too I found her influence on everyone around her to be absolutely all-encompassing. Everything she touched was made better because she touched it with all her heart. She had such talent and she loved her work. It was her life. I could see it in every detail as she instructed her students in their presentation. I also had the pleasure of helping her once with a color guard competition at the American Leadership Academy in Spanish Fork and again, her talents and devotion shined beyond words. She loved her kids so much and she put her all into their success.
Heather was a loving daughter and sister. She filled a special place in her family's home and I could tell that any time they had a chance to see her was a great blessing to them and very appreciated. Her devotion to her job and all her sacrifices, including her life, are a testament to how much she cared for the people in her life. Heather was a wonderful friend, daughter, girlfriend, teacher, and musician, and she will be missed by so many. I am truly so sorry for her loss and I am deeply saddened and thoughtful of this tragedy. Paul, Kay, and Annette, you should be so proud of her dealings in life. My prayers and hopes are with you as well as the color guard team and her friends, Melodie especially. God bless you, Heather Christensen. You are a hero and inspiration to all!
Lisa (Higginson) Richardson and Family
October 14, 2009
I can't remember a time when Heather didn't have a smile on her face. I have fun memories of Heather from our youth but darnit, I wish I had many more. What an incredible person. We all know that Heavenly Father must have desperately needed her. And it must be an important work because the work she did here on earth was more than most people can claim in a whole lifetime. My love and sympathy go to my sister-in-law Kara who has lost her sister, but also to all of Heather's family because of the precious gem that they lose for a time. I pray that you find peace. I want to be a better person because of what I know about her. With Love,
Andrew McKinnon
October 14, 2009
As a member of the U of U Marching Band, i remember Heather as the most daring of Band members in a skit called "Morning Sickness". She helped brighten the lives of all those around her with her smile and exuberance for life. I see that her daring continued with her last act. She will be missed.
Crysi Wilson
October 14, 2009
"Miss C." as we called her was more than just my teacher, she was my friend. I looked forward to going to competitions year after year with her, and even after I graduated so I could get a hug from her!
I had the wonderful opportunity of being her band president the last year she was at Riverton High school. I loved spending countless hours in her office, laughing with her, seeing her smile, or get embarassed. Her personality was contagious and I will forever miss her!
When I was dealing with the loss of my closest friend she checked up on me for several months afterward just to make sure I was doing okay...
her love for her students (me) was a tremendous support!
She was a hero in my book LONG before this tragic accident...and I will miss her forever!
If I grow up to be ANYTHING like her, I will be happy!
My heart goes out to her family members, may you find peace in this difficult times...and may the memories you have keep you smiling as it has done so for me!
---I love you Miss C.---
Randal and Lori Clark
October 14, 2009
Randal and I will miss Heather, a great musician, friend and colleague. It is a very sad loss for the community to lose such a great teacher. I know she loved what she did and gave her life for her students. What a great spirit and example to all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cabot Nelson
October 14, 2009
In her larger family, Heather is not only survived by her parents, a handful of siblings, and over a dozen nieces and nephews, she leaves a legion of trumpeters and trombonists; a bold section of euphonium, baritone, and tuba players; scores of percussionists; dozens of flautists and saxophonists; scores of proud classmates and friends who also play her beloved clarinet; and a legacy of yearning students who made their music under her baton.
Beloved in life by family and community, venerated by her peers, admired by countless friends. I'm proud to have marched with her in the U of U Marching Band, and hope that her memory will serve as a beacon for all who have known her.
October 14, 2009
I didn't know your beautiful Heather in person, however I am so saddened by her passing. I have had my grand daughter involved with Up With Kids and I know the teachers are loving people who care about children. Your daughter was a great gift to mankind. My prayers are with all of you during this sad time. God bless all of your family and friends.
S. McDonald
Riverton, Ut.
Chase Wilson
October 14, 2009
Heather,
You probably didn't know how much you affected the lives of us who gained knowledge at your feet. I wish we could have told you. Your influence, your words, your inspiration, and your legacy will live on in not only the music careers, but the lives of myself, as well as thousands of countless others who you touched. Thank you for making the Riverton Band what it was. Thank you for always making us work hard and be disciplined. Thank you for teaching me what you did about Music Theory and Composition. Thank you for the life skills I gained from your teachings. Thank you for the love that you always showed to all of us, you are not just our teacher, you are our friend.
To Heather's family: Thank you for sharing your angel with all of us students. Thank you for letter her do what she loved to do.
We love you Heather, and we will miss you.
-Chase Wilson
Riverton High School Band Alum 2000-2003
October 14, 2009
I too did not know Heather, but am amazed at the stalwart character she exemplified. Even though this was very tragic, her parents, family and friends can have comfort knowing just what a worthy person she is.
Don and Rose Ottaway
October 14, 2009
We are Christina Christensen's aunt and uncle. We express our condolence to the family. We didn't know Heather, but she was someone we would have been blessed to know. Our prayers are with you.
October 14, 2009
No greater love hath a man(or woman in this case)than she lay down her life for another-(others in this case)
What a wonderful person she must have been. God Bless each of you with peace and comfort and even in your time of deep felt loss may a sense of joy for her sacrifice be felt. She will never be forgotten!
October 14, 2009
I do not know Heather, other than what I have heard on the news. What a true role model and hero. May god bless you in your time of strife and sorrow. This world could use a few more Heathers, be proud and thankful...
Kristin Sowby Hilman
October 14, 2009
"It is a far far better thing that I do, than I have ever done. It is a far far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known." -A Tale of Two Cities
I have many great memories of Heather, playing "Diggit" in the AF neighborhood and having fun at girl's camp. Heather loved to laugh and have fun. I am glad I was able to be with her in the high school band and in college too. Everyone who knew her loved her. I am proud of all she has done. She will be missed.
Laurie Sowby
October 14, 2009
We can't imagine this vivacious young woman ever holding still! She's surely been very busy this week consoling loved ones and shedding her own tears for young AF Band members. Our hearts are with you all, even though we're 2000 miles away.
Elder and Sister Sowby
Washington, D.C. South Mission
October 14, 2009
I never knew Heather, but during these past few days as I have read articles about her, I have been so inspired by her life and the way she lived it. What a wonderful woman. May her family, friends and students find comfort.
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