Passed away suddenly on October 4, 2009. She was born in Victoria on October 19, 1986. Predeceased by her father, Christopher Pocha and her grandfather, Robert Clow. Survived by her mother, Patricia Clow; grandmother, Beverley Clow (Ken Lackey) and many extended family and friends. Heidi was a Steward aboard HMCS Winnipeg. She was into athletics and drawing. Heidi loved to spend time with family and friends. She will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her.
Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 13:00 at St. Peter’s Naval Chapel, 307 Virago Crescent, Belmont Park, Victoria, BC with a reception to follow at Colwood Pacific Activity Centre, 2610 Rosebank Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the S.P.C.A., 3150 Napier Lane, Victoria BC, V8T 4V5.
35 Responses
my deepest sympathy to Heidi’s immediate family and closest friends. This is indeed very shocking and quite tragic. My heart goes out to you all.
Dear Pat. We are shocked and saddened to hear of Heidi’s passing . I will always remember ,when the band was in scotland and Will and Heidi and I played beanie babies all day every day until your return. a beautiful girl. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kevin, Bonnie, Will and Lori Bulmer
Clow, I didnt get to know you very well but spent 8 weeks with you on R0068E, you where an amazing strong person and one of the ones I truly will never forget. My condolences to your family and loves ones… …
I was deeply saddened to learn of your daughter’s death and I would like to express my sincere sympathy to you and your family . Please accept my heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
We were sorry to learn of Heidi’s death and our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Murray Emily Craig Scott Whyte
Jeff Mary Courtenay and Spencer Whyte
Pat,
Brett and I would like to express our deepest condolences to you and your family.
I had never met your daughter, but every time I see you, you always talk about her and always have wonderful things to say. You are so proud of her accomplishments and that is a great mom!!
I wish you and your family all of the best, and know that we are thinking of you at this time.
Dearest Pat – I can only imagine how it must feel to lose a child. Please accept my heartfelt condolances and sympathy. I will remember both of you in my prayers.
My heart breaks for Pat and her family. My prayers and thoughts are with the family during this very difficult time.
I wrote some words below for a great friend, my heart goes out to her mother, grandparents and the rest of her family.
In Honour of a Dear Friend,
I had the pleasure of getting to know Heidi Clow very well over the past few years even though we came in and out of each others lives. Every time I was visiting Victoria, and when I eventually lived there Heidi and I were able to meet up for a few drinks and talk about anything and everything. We spoke often of home (being Perth) the memories of people that touched our lives and what we had in store for our future. Heidi was a great friend and touched the lives and hearts of many people she came in contact with over the years; whether it was from her adolescence, high school or young adult years.
I know we were all shocked and stunned by the news of her passing on Saturday evening October 3rd. Memories of her rushed through my head as disbelief could not ground me. I thought of the last time I saw her and the laughs we had, as I’m sure everyone did as well. So many questions were running through my head with this one most prevalent, “why did this happen?” I feel as if closure to Heidi’s passing will be difficult to achieve as we do not fully understand why things happened the way they did. But I do know this, I know that Heidi was the type of person who would have wanted us to celebrate her life and not mourn her death.
From the past few years of Heidi’s life I am reminded of a quote that Abraham Lincoln once said, “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years….
Anyone that knew Heidi would know that over the past few years she lived a life that few of us are accustomed too. She travelled the world as a member of the Canadian Navy serving on the HMCS Winnipeg. Doing this encompassed and represented strength, courage and above all a dedication to her country. She was able to do things that I admire greatly, such as becoming a member of the Naval boarding party where she, along side of an elite Canadian force protected transport ships from renegade Somali pirates. When I saw her in late August of this year I asked her questions about what it was like to have such an occupation. I asked her, “Were you ever scared?” She replied with a smile and a response that showed the modesty of her character. She said, “I was just doing my job.” Her humility is something that will continue to inspire me as time goes on.
Heidi was a daughter, a fellow seamen and great friend.
Some of you may not know but, written on Heidi’s forearm was a tattoo that read, “No one ever really dies.” I find this to be a comforting reminder of hers that in times of tragedy, loved ones have never truly left us, for they live on in our memory.
As Heidi will live on in ours….
Pat,
I know how much you loved Heidi: the phone calls you exchanged, your search for the papasan chair cover, the outings you went on together, and how you hoped to buy a house that you could share.
I also know how proud you were of her: before Heidi’s dad died, you spoke of sending him her photo; you posted her pictures on facebook, and you told me stories of Heidi’s youth and recalled her exploits with the pirates.
Although I didn’t know Heidi, the postings in response to her death tell a story of a beautiful vivacious woman who was loved and will be missed.
Pat, Heidi touched many people while she was on this Earth.