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From The Venerable Peter Townshend:

I was saddened to hear recently of the death of Heather Porter but I am very thankful for the gift of her life. What a life it was, and in faith still is!  She was a brilliant woman with multiple academic degrees. It is beyond my ability to intelligently speak of her field of studies other than to acknowledge her focus on oncology research and the appropriate nursing care to be provided to cancer patients. She was an observant person and her care for others led her on different occasions to suggest to her friends that she was concerned for their health and suggested that some situation should be investigated.Those recommendations usually led to a very positive improvement of health.

Heather was a woman of science and a woman of faith. A long time member of our Holy Saviour family with a particular focus on her participation in our choir. She loved good choral music and particularly enjoyed a festive choral evensong. A humourous side of this was that she wanted us to look our best so if you had an academic degree but didn't possess your own academic hood to wear she often had one to share with you to wear in the choral procession.

When mobility became difficult for Heather and it was hard for her to go downstairs to the choir room, her robes were brought up to the office and while not able to join the full choral procession she would enter from the side door in the chancel to allow her to continue her ministry in the choir. The choir was a close family for her and she loved the many social events they shared together.

While it was before my time at Holy Saviour I am aware that Heather was very involved in the process of securing our organ when it was required to support our long tradition of excellent choral music.

Heather knew that life was good but it wasn't easy. She loved her family and was devoted to them. Unfortunately she had to experience the death of her husband and also one of her sons. In both situations it was a difficult and challenging time but she faced those times in her very, matter of fact and practical way, while supported by her faith.

I, like all who knew Heather, will very much miss her physical presence in our midst but together in faith we celebrate that she now lives in the resurrected and eternal life of our Lord Jesus Christ.