HEATHER LOUISE HARPER (BUTTERS)

We are heartbroken to announce that Heather Harper passed away on April 10th, 2026, in Neepawa Memorial Hospital at the age of 63.

Heather is predeceased by her mother Deanna Harris and father Henry Butters. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Greg Harper; her daughters, Megan (Hayden), Kayla (Cole), step-daughters Jennifer (Chris), Kellie (John); grandchildren, Grayson, Shadrick, Maya, Samuel, and Caleb; brother Wayne (Lynn); Nephew Scott (Brooke); great niece & nephew Hadley & Huxley; as well as extended family members.

Heather was born on May 1st, 1962, in Calgary, Alberta, to Deanna Harris and Henry Butters. She grew up in Calgary, taking weekend camping trips with her family to Little Bow Park. They did lots of boating and tried water skiing for the first time, which ended up turning into one of her favourite activities. In the winter, Heather and her dad, Henry, would take day trips to go snowmobiling South of Calgary in the Chain Lakes area. Their family dog, Sandy, was a cocker spaniel and was Heather’s favourite dog breed for the longest time. She took up cross stitching in her adult life and stitched a beautiful picture of Sandy. The family purchased a motorhome lot at the Mora Lake Campground near Shuswap Lake region, it was a long drive, but they would spend lots of time there waterskiing, fishing, having barbeques, parties with friends, and campfires on the beach. These are some cherished memories of Heather’s and a time that she looked back on very fondly. During the summer of 1978, when Heather was 12, she and her family took a road trip in their truck and camper to the US. They visited Yellowstone Park, the Grand Canyon, Disneyland, San Diego, Tijuana, Hollywood Boulevard and San Francisco. They also stopped by the Redwood Forest, the Oregon Coast, and Seattle. Heather learned how to drive in her mom and dad’s green Barracuda, which ended up being her first car (after her brother Wayne was finished with it). Her first job was an old-style cashier (pre scanning era) at their neighborhood Safeway. As part of her training, Heather would have to study produce codes at home. She worked there for a year after high school, then moved on to Shaw Cable TV. Following that, she moved on to City Wide Towing and sold Mary Kay.

Heather’s first daughter, Megan, was born in 1996 in Calgary, Alberta. In 1997, they moved to Carberry, Manitoba. Heather’s second daughter, Kayla, was born in Neepawa, Manitoba, in 2000. In 2002, Heather married Greg Harper, and he & his daughters, Jennifer and Kellie, joined the family. Heather worked at the Carberry Motor Inn in Carberry for most of her life in Manitoba and created a strong community of friends there. During this time, Heather was an avid pool and dart player. Heather and Greg would attend dart tournaments, even travelling to Las Vegas to compete. Heather’s photos are still on the wall in the Carberry Motor Inn today. After retiring, Heather spent much of her time gardening, puzzling, watching her favourite soap operas and comedies such as Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless, Friends, Gilmore Girls, and The Big Bang Theory. Heather also loved watching sports, specifically football and baseball. The Toronto Blue Jays were her all-time favourite team; you’d never catch her missing a game. Heather’s laughter and cheering often filled the house when she was in front of the TV. Heather was often the loudest cheerer in the room, whether she was cheering on the Blue Jays or her daughter’s games and events. She took great pride in her gardening and cooking, often being well known for her large garden that produced the best pickles. You knew Heather truly cared about you if you ever got a jar of her pickles or her famous nuts and bolts concoction. Heather expressed her love through cooking for her people, and she always made sure her family and friends never left on an empty stomach.

Heather’s family was always her pride and joy; she could talk about them for hours and always wanted to share with everyone how her daughters were doing. She loved deeply and wasn’t afraid to tell or show people how she truly felt. Heather made a deep impact on everyone she came across, and she will be truly and deeply missed.

A private celebration of Heather’s life took place on May 23rd, 2026, at the family home.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​