Heather

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Heather Christensen 1976-2009

On Saturday, October 10, 2009 our Angel of Music returned
home to her Heavenly Father while attempting to rescue her
students from imminent danger. Heather' life culminated in an
act of selfless service. Heather's life itself was about selfless
service. She will be dearly missed. Born July 31, 1976 in
Payson, Utah, Heather was the fourth child of six born to
Kay and Annette Christensen. Heather grew up in American
Fork and graduated from American Fork High in 1994. She
went on to achieve Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music/
Music Education from the University of Utah. From an early
age Heather loved music. This love turned to passion as she
honed her skills throughout her High School and University
years. Heather served as Drum Major for American Fork High
and the University of Utah's Marching Bands. Following
graduation Heather worked as Director of Bands for the new
Riverton High School, Director of Fine Arts and Marching
Band for American Leadership Academy in Spanish Fork,
currently Assistant Director of Bands for American Fork High
School's Marching Band, Advisor at Wasatch Academy,
Advisor for Edge, Director for Up With Kids, and an Executive
Board Member for the Utah Winter Guard Association. Always
quick to offer encouragement and support to those around her,
Heather had a comfortable way of helping everyone to be their
best without pressure or criticism. She was a friend to all, a
mentor, a counselor, an Educator in the truest sense of the
word. Heather's testimony of Christ was strong and unwavering.
She sought to know all she could about His life. She loved the
places He walked and lived the principles He taught. She
reveled in her family and her ancestry. She spent countless
hours researching and preparing family history.
Heather, because we knew you, we have been changed for
good. In Memory of Heather, do something kind for someone
today. Share a smile. Make some burden a little lighter through
service.

Full Obituary
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There was also a really neat article written by Lee Benson about Heather today that I wanted to share on here: LINK. Here is an excerpt:

Her sister Laura said, "The family is at peace about what happened because of the kind of life she led. Mom said Heather lived life double because she only had a short time." Whatever the situation, Laura recalled that her sister could come up with a song to match it. She knows what song Heather would have picked for this one. Her all-time favorite, "For Good," from the Broadway musical "Wicked."

The main line goes, "Because I knew you — I have been changed for good."

If only Heather were here singing it.

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I am grateful to have known Heather. The life she lived makes me want to be a better person. She truly was a hero and an amazing person. My heart breaks for her family. Heather is loved and will be missed.

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