Farewell (For Now) To A Beautiful Cousin!!

Two weeks ago, today, our Uncle Kay's daughter was killed in a tragic bus accident. Heather was one of the band directors at American Fork High. This band was well known for its excellence and has been honored on several occasions over the years. The American Fork band was on it's way home from Idaho when the driver of Heather's bus blacked out. Heather ran up to take the wheel, but the bus was already on it's way off the road. In her attempt to steer the bus back on course, Heather was thrown out and died on the scene. There were several injured students, but no other fatalities. She has been hailed on the state and national news as a hero, who gave her life to save others. She has a broken hearted, but very proud family.

Heather was a phenomenal instructor, who related well with her students. The students from both high schools that she taught at,(Riverton & American Fork) paid several tributes to Heather. They held vigils and performances in her honor. They even competed at BYU 3 days after the accident and dedicated their first place win to Heather. Her students and colleagues are going to feel a huge void along with her family!

The funeral was beautiful! The students sat up in the choir seats and passed tissues up and down the rows as they quietly cried. Elder Bruce Hafen was there and gave a wonderful talk, along with all of Heather's immediate family. On the way out of the funeral, the band(over 200 students) lined the sidewalk and played as the casket was wheeled down the sidewalk. It was a very touching scene. The band parents catered a wonderful luncheon at the High School. Soon after, three bus loads of students followed the family to Delta for the burial.

A wonderful example Heather has left to her family, friends and students. She will be greatly missed!!