Heather Porter Obituary

Heather Patricia Porter (née McKenzie), age 75, of West Vancouver, British Columbia passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Heather was born and raised in Edmonton, AB. She married Brian Nilsen at the age of 21 and they had three children together. The family relocated to Oakville, ON, for three years before settling in West Vancouver, BC, in 1990. Heather would call the West Van community home for the remainder of her life.

At the age of 45, Heather embarked on a new career. She studied the Medical Office Assistant program at Capilano University, graduating at the top of her class! She held a few positions before joining the office of Dr. Ray Bolen where she worked for 25 years. She developed very close friendships with her colleagues at the office and they became her second family. Heather also had a special way with patients, enhancing the quality of their care.

In the early 2000s, she met Eric Porter. They married in 2004 and remained married for the rest of her life. Eric is English, and as a couple, they enjoyed several trips to England over the years to spend time with Eric's two daughters and their families.

Heather's number one priority was always her family. She raised her children with kindness and compassion, which extended to her grandchildren even more! She had a unique sort of generosity. She had a knack for discovering what people needed in order to find the best and most impactful gifts for them. Heather made occasions like Christmas and birthdays so incredibly special and meaningful.

Heather passed away peacefully at home after a short illness with cancer. The cancer was discovered only 8 weeks prior as an aggressive stage 4 disease that had already metastasized significantly. There were no treatment options and her health declined quickly. Many thanks to Dr Paul Sugar and Marylene for providing guidance and palliative care in Heather's final days and weeks.

Heather is survived by her husband Eric, children Trond (Erin Potts), Jill (Mark Tompkins), and Tyler (Jackie) Nilsen; step-daughters Anna Porter (Danny Morgan), Caroline Austin (Richard); grandchildren Makoa, Rylee, Arraiya, Savannah, and Baylee Nilsen, Jasmine Price, Tyler Tompkins, Madeline Potts; step-grandchildren Jude, Madeline and Dominic Austin, Ella Morgan; siblings Don and Gordon (Agneta) McKenzie, Keltie Emery (Bruce); and the father of her children Brian Nilsen.

A celebration of life for Heather will be held Monday, January 20, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM at First Memorial Funeral Services and Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver, BC.

Memorial donations may be made to the Paul Sugar Palliative Support Foundation.