Heather Steck

HEATHER GALE STECK 1939 2010 Heather Gale Steck passed away on February 11, 2010 at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, in her 71st year, after a brief battle with cancer. Born September 7, 1939 in Regina, she was the first child of Ausmus (Bud) and Irene Haverstock. Gale graduated from Central Collegiate in Regina and went on to earn first a degree in psychology from the University of Saskatchewan, and then a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of British Columbia (1962). She worked for some years in the Saskatchewan health system, mainly at the MacNeill Clinic in Saskatoon but traveling also to other cities and towns around the province. From the late 1960s, Gale became increasingly active in arts and crafts, and soon became a well-known Saskatchewan potter. She was a founding member of the Handmade House group. Also, she served for some years on the board and executive of the Saskatchewan Craft Council, in other arts organizations, and on show juries. She acted as an articulate and consistent advocate for the crafts community. Enjoying generally good health throughout her life, she valued fitness and had been, over the past decade, a devoted member of the T'ai Chi community in Saskatoon. Right up until she was diagnosed with cancer in January 2010, Gale kept up her own crafts production, undertook occasional travel and maintained a busy daily routine. Gale is survived by daughter Katherine Steck-Flynn, grand-daughter Alexandra Flynn and grandson Mackenzie Flynn in Calgary; by son Brian Steck and his partner Michelle Howe in Vancouver; by sister Susan Burden (Dick) in Victoria; and by former husband Warren in Saskatoon. Gale will be missed by a great host of friends in Saskatoon, Regina and elsewhere. She touched many lives as wife, mother, grandmother, professional counsellor, social worker, mentor, work colleague, neighbour and hospitable friend. She was particularly notable for her selfless generosity in helping and encouraging others, and for her own successful pursuit of an active, purposeful and productive life. The family thanks Dr John Shaw and all Gale's other caregivers at Royal University Hospital for their skilled and sensitive care over the last few weeks. Thanks also go to Gale's many friends for their love and support throughout Gale's illness, and afterwards. Arrangements have been made for cremation, according to Gale's own wishes. Please, no flowers at this time. A later memorial service will be held in Saskatoon, for which details will be announced in the coming weeks.