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. If you are unable to attend and wish to attend virtually, please use this followintg livestream link: https://www.youtube.com/live/zZgy8XKXLv4
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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12 Responses
We fondly remember Heather from her high school days (Parkview Adventist Academy) and early college days (now Burman University). Even at a young age, we could tell that she was intelligent, diligent, and driven toward the road of success. Although having lost contact with her in the new millennium, we often followed her on FB through our mutual friend/cousin Brent Lehmann. She will be missed, so glad to hear of her commitment to faith and family and the purposeful life she led with her career and the clients she served and the broader impact she made to the world of psychology and counselling.
Bret & Karen Dobbin (Winnipeg, MB) – thankyou for advising of the memorial service being livestreamed
Heather became like a daughter to when my family were no longer living nearby. I enjoyed going over to see all the new improvements done inside the house by Heather and all the outside work Barry was doing and having tea together. Heather and I had made a date to have afternoon tea when she got back home and show me her pictures. The shock of losing her has left a void in my life.I believe in the earth made new and we will see each other again. Love you Heather
My deepest condolences to Barry and all of Heather’s family.
Heather and I met at a change management conference more than 15 years ago. Over the years, we shared a love of neuroscience, change, leadership and, most of all, people. We worked on several projects together, and Heather was always genuine, kind and exceedingly generous with her time and wisdom. When I made the leap from the corporate world into consulting, Heather was right there to guide me, encourage me and graciously open doors.
As much as I loved working with Heather, I think I treasured our conversations even more. They took place in our cars during ferry rides, in coffee shops and restaurants while trying a new treat, and online across the miles. We talked about our shared faith, our love of family, and our endless curiosity about the world and the people in it.
Heather had a remarkable gift for making others feel valued and encouraged. I will deeply miss her bright smile, her wonderful laugh, her encouragement and her genuine love of life. I feel so very grateful to have known her, worked alongside her and called her my friend. She touched my life in ways I will always carry with me.
Heather was 6 months older than I, my cousin closest in age. Like Heather, I was the only girl in my family, with two older brothers and a younger one. When our moms got together, we were instant buddies. From a very young age, Heather automatically took the position of the older, more responsible one, watching over me, and making sure I was taken care of. I particularly remember a time as a teenager when visiting at their home in Rosthern, I decided to go for a walk down the field road, unannounced. When I returned, I was met by a very concerned and relieved Heather. Although I couldn’t quite understand why she would be so concerned, I felt the depth of her love. She had such a big heart! She was my maid of honor when I married. Our paths diverged, and we only had the chance to connect a few times in our adult lives. Each time, it seemed we automatically could connect like best friends. What a precious cousin!
It was such a shock to hear the news of Heather’s passing. My heart goes out to all that were close to her-her family, Barry, her husband, and all the friends and loved ones with whom she was in close proximity. My condolences to you! We’ve lost a true gem!
Heather and I were close in age as cousins. Our family always enjoyed our trip to the Rosthern farm and the Lehman visits to Kincaid. We played a lot of games together and as adults remained in contact. I enjoyed all her Facebook posts and she sent me encouraging messages from time to time. Her passing is a shock and we as an extended family are deeply sorrowed by her sudden passing. Her generous spirit and welcoming smile will be missed.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. My heart goes out to Barry and Heather’s family and friends. I know Heather loved deeply and lived her life according to her values, giving so much to all the lives she touched. I will miss her greatly. Over the years she became a dear friend. I loved her kindness, her honesty, and her goodness. A brilliant mind, she always led with compassion and empathy.
Words can’t express our deep sadness at the passing of our sister-in-law Heather. She was one of the kindest, most warm-hearted, and giving people that we were blessed to have in our lives. I have many fond memories of Christmas dinner with Heather, Barry, and other extended family members. Always a great cook, her sense of humor and fun always added love to all our family gatherings. I remember several conversations with her discussing our mutual love of reading and recommended books.Heather was also a great board game player and brought great spirit and fun to all our game sessions. We will miss her dearly.
I had the pleasure of working and laughing with Heather on multiple occasions. As a team member she was exceptional, always laughing, thoughtful and an overall great person. She got along with everyone.
I last texted with Heather when I saw she was in Sweden on vacation. You could tell she was excited and loving her trip, then suddenly, she was gone.
My condolences to her family and friends.
She will be missed.
My deepest condolences to Barry and family. I met Heather only once, in the Black Hills, SD in the late 70’s. My grandmother, Doris Johnson, told me that Heather and I were dopplegangers and we needed to meet. So I attended a family reunion with Doris and John. We got along really well that weekend and became penpals for several years. One of us found the other a few years back on facebook and even though we never really knew each other very well, we enjoyed watching each other’s activities. Heather seemed to enjoy life so much. Not only the travel and family but the mundane…like the updates on the backyard project that took place a couple years ago. Incidently, we never thought we looked alike…Heather has the prettiest dimples that I lack, she’s taller, thinner and well, we just didn’t see it. I am so sorry for your loss. Heather will be remembered well.
My heart goes out to Heather’s family, I didnt know her as well my brother, but I knew her well enough to trust her to baby sit Amanda when we went to a concert not long after Amanda was born. I have fond memories of spending a Saturday afternoon or two at her place in Red Deer. We use to tease her quite often about her chosen profession. More than once she would say something and someone would say “So Heather how does that make you feel?” She was always good natured about our teasing. I also remember how helpful she was with 3 men and baby, when Dad,Brent,Amanda and I went out to the Lehmann family reunion in the summer of 1991.
Kind of lost touch after she moved to Vancouver, which sadly seems to be part of our fast paced life.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.
Arlo B.