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HEATHER ANNE LAIR  Obituary pic

HEATHER ANNE LAIR

Born: Sep 01, 1956

Date of Passing: Jul 03, 2013

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HEATHER ANNE LAIR Peacefully, at her home in Gimli, on July 3, 2013, Heather Anne Swansburg Lair passed away. She is survived by her husband, Rick Lair, and children, Silas and Emily; brothers Peter, David and family; sister, Nancy; Rick's daughter, Jennifer Robinson, and granddaughter Alexis. Heather was predeceased by parents, Kenneth and Elise Swansburg, of St. Andrews, NB. Heather was born on Prince Edward Island, September 1, 1956. She grew up in Moncton and St. Andrews, NB and never forgot her roots there. Heather attended Acadia University where she studied education and home economics. Rick and Heather met in Sackville, NB and were loving life partners for 30 years. In 1987, Rick's work brought them to Winnipeg, where Emily and Silas were born. A visit to Gimli turned into a love affair with the community and the lake. In 1994, they renovated a historic property and later built a unique new home next door. For Heather, the prairie ocean' felt like home. Heather created a extraordinary legacy as a master quilter, artist, and teacher. She once wrote that her quilts "are warm to use and satisfying to make and are the beginning and soul of my art". Her work hangs in homes, offices and galleries around the world and has been featured in films and on television. Her influence is present in the hands of the many people she introduced and trained in her craft. Heather sewed together the story of our lives, interpreting the water, the sky and her beloved community. Heather was a gifted chef and baker, too. The door was always open at the Lair house for hungry youngsters in search of a slice of her legendary pizza. Heather was loving, funny and generous. When it came to her children, she was a passionate and proud mom. She was also an active volunteer. For Heather, life was an adventure - there was always something more to know and something new to try. Special thanks to Gimli's breast cancer support group and CancerCare Manitoba. A celebration of Heather's life will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2013, 7:00 p.m. at the Gimli Park Pavilion, 1 Fourth Avenue, Gimli, Manitoba. In accordance with Heather's wishes, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Heather's memory to CancerCare Manitoba (cancercarefdn.mb.ca), or the Westshore Community Foundation (westshorefoundation.com). Look now, a new day comes See the fishing skiffs dance one by one On the painted sea beyond the lawn Hush now, hear the cry Of gull and tern on a gilded sky Let me rest here for a while. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 06, 2013

Condolences & Memories (19 entries)

  • I haven't seen Heather for almost 20 years, but I remember her as such a talented individual. My son Ben and Silas were the same age and in the Windsor play group together. I remember one Halloween when Heather brought her younger daughter Emily to the play group. It was a costume party and Heather had put together the most fantastic "hen" costume for Emily. It consisted of a lovely hood and "feathers" made of various flaps of autumn coloured fabrics. The costume was so well put together. I'll never forget Heather's warm welcoming nature. One of my good friends learned quilting from Heather. We were recently at a gathering and I asked my friend if she still was taking quilting from Heather. My friend informed me that Heather had passed away a few months ago. I was shocked and saddened. What a tragic loss. My heart goes out to Rick, Silas and Emily. Heather lives on in our hearts. God Bless you. - Posted by: Kathi Wirth (friend) on: Mar 18, 2014

  • Heather was my quilt teacher/friend at a class in 2012 in St. Andrews. She was truly inspirational and very encouraging. Heather gave me wings to believe in myself and in my art work. Now she is a real angel and will surely help to make heaven a more beautiful spot. - Posted by: Judith Hill (Quilt Artist Student) on: Aug 07, 2013

  • I met Heather for the first and only time, this past April, in the quilt shop in Gimli. She took time to talk to me about quilting and art, took time to send me information to my email (I live in Hamilton Ontario), about classes and online links, and really encouraged me to pursue my own dream. My deepest sympathies to her family and friends - she truly was a talented and caring star. - Posted by: Anna (a follower of her art) on: Aug 05, 2013

  • Heather was a delight to know. She shared generously of her talents and quilt ideas. She was quick to help. She is missed by all that knew her. I feel blessed to have known her. My love goes out to her family. Vivian - Posted by: vivian helena aumond-capone (friends from Postmarkd'art) on: Jul 12, 2013

  • Rick, Silas and Emily:. Heather was amazing in every way She had many natural gifts and shared so much to make others happy in her art and style. Heather expressed how much her "angels" helped her and now she is one. She will be within the ones she loved and the ones that loved her forever. Your Friend Sandi Finch - Posted by: Sandra Finch (Friend) on: Jul 11, 2013

  • Heather and I belong to Postmark'd Art group. I will miss her conversations and trading beautiful art with her. She was kind, supportive, joyous and fun. I am so blessed that I was able to call her friend. - Posted by: Diana Mains Welte () on: Jul 09, 2013

  • We are sorry to hear of Heather's passing. Myself (Jean), and Gary reconnected at Lyall's funeral memorial last August. Enjoyed talking with her. I had not see her since 1962 when I was at Mt. Allison University, and had gone to Riverview for a week-end visit. Found the obituary when we were looking for some info re Kenneth (geneology research). Our deepest sympathies. - Posted by: Jean Adams/Zelma McColm/Gary Aitchison (cousins ( our mother was her great -aunt (nee Bessie Swansburg)) on: Jul 08, 2013

  • I met Heather in Halifax CQA 2012 while we were both teaching there-a gentle giving gal with such a great love of quilting and sharing her artistic talents. I was fortunate to share some great times and memories with her at that time-she will be greatly missed by her friends and the quilting world.... - Posted by: Coreen Zerr (Friend, Fellow artist) on: Jul 08, 2013

  • I met Heather in 1976 in Sackville, NB. I knew right away that I had met someone special. This was someone I had to get to know. We became good friends but In 1980 I moved to Winnipeg and I had to say goodbye to this exceptional woman. I was privileged to have Heather back in my life in 1987 when her and Rick moved in across the street from me in Winnipeg. I got to renew and grow our friendship until 1989 when I moved to Nova Scotia. Heather was the kind of friend that doesn’t come around in one’s life very often. Heather was that special friend that touches your heart. She was always there when I needed her, had a smile when I was down, tissues when I cried, praise when I did well, advice when I asked, support when I was unsure, pride when I succeeded, a friend indeed. Heather was my go everywhere do everything, tell each other anything, forget our troubles, enjoy all the same stuff, laugh until it hurt, together or apart...pick up where we left off, be ourselves, keep each other’s secrets, and always have fun in whatever we did (always with that mischievous gleam in her eyes). She was the most loving understanding friend anyone could ever have. She will be missed and never forgotten. - Posted by: Maureen Daigle (Friend) on: Jul 08, 2013

  • Heather is fondly remembered by family and friends in Saint Andrews. Her most recent art exposition at Sunbury Shores was outstanding and on a personal note we purchased a wonderful fabric art depiction of the ocean shore for our son's wedding last August. Heather's talent is recognized as is her friendhip and gentle nature by all who knew her in Saint Andrews. Heather will be remembered at our regular session of Council on Monday, July 8th. Our condolences go out to her sister Nancy from Saint Andrews and to all her family and Friends in Saint Andrews and Manitoba. - Posted by: Stan Choptiany (Mayor of Saint Andrews NB) on: Jul 08, 2013

  • Heather. A sweet and gentle lady, passed along life's way, and as she went she left behind a little of herself, each day. Like the petals of a flower blown, she spread her love to all around, and by love to all was known. She gave her time so graciously, never keeping score, now life's path is at an end she's in our Father's care. We will not forget you Heather. love Mary. - Posted by: Mary Murray (Quilter) on: Jul 08, 2013

  • During my last year at Acadia university heather and I became friends I only recently reconnected with her on fbook to find out that this beautiful woman had such a beautiful life. Heather and I were meant to meet during Acadia times of that I'm sure. I met her family when we hitch hiked to her home in st Andrews new Brunswick funny enough I had worked there the summer before but would not meet Heather until the next year. All the too few moments we shared are remembered by me so I know that her presence was felt by the many moments she shared with her family and friends and it will never be forgotten. Thank you heather for your love, kindness and may your energy stay strong in our hearts. Love merrilynn - Posted by: merrilynn mitten () on: Jul 08, 2013

  • I have always admired Heather for her multitudes of talent, her cheerfulness and her never ending smile. I am fortunate enough to have received a purse, mittens, postcard and a wall hanging (gifts from Andy and Melissa)and I will cherish them even more now as they are priceless. Our sincere condolences to all of the family and please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many here in Niagara Falls. - Posted by: Pat Collier (Sister in law of Melissa ) on: Jul 07, 2013

  • To the family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Heather was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was dedicated to her art and to making the world a more beautiful and loving place. As well, it was a pleasure to be in her company. We spent a week together in St. Andrew's one summer when she taught me quilting. The week was full of fun and sunshine and that's how I remember her. I have two of her quilts on my beds and two of her wall hangings on my walls. - Posted by: Sheila O'Leary (Friend and customer) on: Jul 07, 2013

  • To my beautiful Heather, You taught me so many things through my life. You had the patience to teach me to Loom, even when I kept tangling the wool. You showed me a gentler kinder world. You were such a wonderful cook, and I learned tips and tricks from watching you. There are so many things that you did with me. I have never in my life met anyone as genuine, caring, compassionate and so many more beautiful traits. I will miss you dearly, you will be in my heart and mind forever. I was so blessed to have a wonderfully talented Sister-In-Law!!! Love you Heather,, - Posted by: Shelley Lair (Sister-in-law) on: Jul 06, 2013

  • Heather's spirit and love will be forever woven into the fabric of the lives and hearts of those privileged to know her. Love and prayers to all. - Posted by: Roberta (Bobbi) Bishop & Lori Lavallee (friends) on: Jul 06, 2013

  • I met Heather quite a few years ago at the Icelandic Museum in Gimli. I was attending her quilt show and she was showing us some tricks of the trade. I had never seen such beautifully crafted quilts and I marvelled at her creative hand and flawless design. Heather will be missed by many and definitely left an incredible legacy to those who had the privilege to know her. She certainly inspired me. My deepest condolences to family and friends. - Posted by: Linda Gunhouse (Fellow artist) on: Jul 06, 2013

  • I was delighted to meet Heather in Halifax, NS, during a CQA conference... we were both teaching there, and she quietly introduced herself to me. Our connection was made the previous year, when I was judging the NJS in London, ON. I chose Heather's entry for my Judge's Choice Award - I was very taken with her landscape entry the minute I saw it. I am very sad to have heard of her passing. - Posted by: Hilary Rice (Textile Artist, Quilt Teacher, Quilt Judge) on: Jul 06, 2013

  • I personally will miss Heather's gifted inspiration at the Gimli Quilt Retreat that she shared so willingly with her students and fellow quilting friends and anyone around her. My sincere condolences to her husband, children and her community "family". - Posted by: Rose Anne Burdeny (Fellow quilter and Heather's student a few times) on: Jul 06, 2013

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