A prairie girl to her core, Heather was born in Rosthern, Saskatchewan to Marjorie (nee Frostad) and Wesley Lehmann. She grew up as part of a large family with three brothers and an extended network of cousins. In her formative years, she loved to skate and participate in 4H.
As a high school student, she attended and boarded at Parkview Adventist Academy where she balanced her studies with work in the school cafeteria, demonstrating the strong work ethic that would characterize her life. She started her post-secondary education at Canadian Union College (now Burman University) and then transferred to Andrews University in Michigan, earning degrees in Psychology and English, where her lifelong interest in neuropsychology began.
After several years of work, she moved to Vancouver to complete an MBA at the University of British Columbia. She was subsequently selected for a highly competitive leadership development program with the federal government, contributing to projects across Canada before building a successful consulting career with Ernst & Young, Tekara, and later as co-founder of Navigo with two colleagues.
Following Navigo, she established her own consulting practice, Heather Lehmann and Associates (HLA), specializing in change management, organizational development, and executive coaching. As a member of the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) Advisory Board that partnered with the UBC Sauder School of Business to develop a Change Management Certificate Program, she developed and delivered the foundational course. Throughout her career, she was a highly respected and sought-after colleague, known for her people-centred approach. She skillfully balanced the needs of organizations with those of individuals experiencing change, always leading with empathy, compassion, and respect.
Heather’s strong faith remained a guiding force throughout her life, and she never forgot her roots. She cherished visits to her family’s farm, Saskvalley, where riding horses brought her back to the joys and memories of her youth. Tall, beautiful, and striking in appearance, she was equally remarkable for the kindness and generosity of her spirit. She had an ability to make even ordinary moments feel special and her presence could light up a room, but it was her heart that people remembered most. She had a gift for friendship and was surrounded by concentric circles of friends, many of whom walked beside her for decades, sharing laughter, adventures, loyalty, and a special bond. An avid reader, she enjoyed books across a wide range of genres and was a charter member of a longstanding Vancouver book club.
She passed away unexpectedly after a wonderful day of sightseeing during a much-anticipated month-long trip through Scandinavia, a place of her family’s heritage while celebrating her recent retirement, with her husband, Barry, and dear friend, Orest. While her passing was sudden, she spent her final days doing what she loved—exploring the world, sharing experiences with those close to her, and embracing life with curiosity, gratitude, and joy professing on more than one occasion “I am having moments of pure happiness!”
She leaves an indelible hole with the love of her life, Barry Hyde, and the life they had carved out enjoying their beautiful West Coast Victoria home and all their future plans. She also leaves her stepchildren, Ashlie Christou (Demetre) and Mackenzie Hyde, and adorable grandchildren, Evangeline and Illiana Christou. Heather always proudly exclaimed she had the best brothers and sister-in-laws. Grieving are Carl (Michelle); Murray (Cathy); Barry (Karen) along with her beloved nieces and nephews (Brittney, Riley, Emma, Morgan, and Gavin) and great-niece (Jorie). She leaves special aunts and an uncle, Ellen, June, and Lloyd, and an extended network of cousins along with her close cousins Heidi Lehmann Morehouse (Don) and Brent Lehmann. Because she was such a special person and she was loved by so many friends, they are grieving the magnitude of her loss. Heather was pre-deceased by her deeply loved parents, her cherished nephew, Joshua, and her adored dog, Charlie.
Heather was as generous as she was kind. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Big Sisters or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Heather’s life will be celebrated on Friday, September 11th, 2026 at 11:00am at the Oakridge Adventist Church, 5350 Baille Street, Vancouver, BC. Live streaming will be available with the details updated here closer to the service.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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