Heather always lit up the room with her warm and loving presence. Full of smiles and words of wisdom. Always giving to others, selfless. I am glad I had the privilege of knowing Heather and she will be dearly missed.

Kamelia Zohrehie

Heather was one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met. She had a heart the size of New Zealand and gave so much to me in my times of need. My kids called her the ‘meals on wheels lady’ because she kept bringing beautiful food over to the house when we were really struggling as a family. We laughed a lot and chewed the fat a lot about life, love, kids, work, everything really. We met in a yoga class many years ago-another passion we shared. She had the incredible skill (and was the only person I knew that could do this) of turning one eye in to generate a funny look which always made me smile. I’ll miss her so much and I hope she’s found the peace that she was searching for now. Special love to you Mrs K and your beautiful family who I know you were so proud of. They were lucky to have you in their lives, and you were lucky to have them too. See you on the other side for a decent glass or three!! Jill xxx

Jill Tonks

My Beautiful friend – I have had this photo pinned to my kitchen notice board for so many years a reminder of all the good times we shared as friends and families. I met Heather the first week we both landed in Soul from our first meeting we became firm friends united in our kindred spirit of fun, love of life and our children.

The fun and laughter we had together sharing many a sore head after a glass or three too many! being there for each other through difficult times.

Our families became close spending many great times together over the years, holidays, family occasions Heather was my daughter Rhiann’s godmother.

I miss you Heather, thank you for all the wonderful memories and I am so thankful we met all those years ago. I know you are now at peace. May your star always shine brightly as you look down on us all especially your wonderful family… until we meet again for the next chapter. Love you lots Tracey xx

Tracey Brooks

Heather was fuchsia pink cardis, bright red lipstick and crimson nails. She ‘saw’ you with crystal blue eyes….and a glass of wine (or a cup of coffee and a walk). xxxx

Kate Gill

We cherish wonderful memories of all the fun times we shared with Heather, from first meeting her and Tom and the family in Germany. She was a beautiful and inspirational woman, but above all kind, and generous with her time. May she rest in peace. Nicki & Phil Chew

Nicki Chew

Darling Heather, you were my theatre buddy, my friend, and many times my support. An intelligent and beautiful soul. I miss you every day. You will always be loved.

Ellie Smith

A vibrant, kind and caring lady; our daughters were school friends which is how I got to know Heather. She brightened any event with her irreverent sense of humour, and was always a pleasure to spend time with.
Rest in peace, dear Heather. xx

Anna Windebank

Brave, Bright and Beautiful Heather
In the time I have known you we have shared much.
Your courage, your sense of fun and your constantly enquiring mind will stay with me and I will miss you greatly.
Our last walk together was on a beautiful golden September day in my favourite Surrey Hills, that is where I will always remember you Heather.
Thank you for a very special friendship
Diana xx

Diana Chilcott

Heather was a clever and talented lady and had a unique generosity of spirit. She was vivacious, empathetic and compassionate and her presence lit up every gathering.
Time spent with Heather was never boring or dull and I remember with great fondness all the hours we spent together talking and laughing and putting the world to rights.
I will never forget her kindness, thoughtfulness and warmth.
I will miss her so much, but feel very grateful to have called her my friend albeit for too short a time.
I hope she is now at peace.xx

Patricia Scott

When I think of Heather I think of colour: her blue eyes, jewel-toned scarves and bright paintings.

Having known Heather 19 years, she was woven into the fabric of my life. Lucy and I often reminisce about the first day of Year 7 when we met. We went for ice cream with our mums in Cobham and immediately became friends. I treasure those memories with Heather: KCS bonfire nights, Christmas fairs and serving drinks at parties hosted by Heather and Tom. I was moved by Heather’s kindness on many occasions. Over the last month, I have relistened to a thoughtful voice message she sent me. I feel lucky to have known her.

Heather was warm, kind, gregarious, creative, intelligent, vivacious and sociable. She had a talent for keeping in contact with friends. It is no cliché to say that she touched the lives of many people across the globe, from New Zealand to New York.

Years ago, Heather and Chris picked the apples off the crab apple tree in our garden to make jam. I will think of Heather when I look at that crab apple tree, when I look at the beautifully written card from her on my wall, when I drive down Fairmile Lane, when someone calls me ‘Frannie’. I see so much of Heather in Lucy. She will be deeply missed.

Lots and lots of love,
Francesca x

Francesca Scott

There are no words adequate to describe Heather.
She put family first, loved & was loved by all her friends, and saw beauty in everything.
She lived life to the full fearlessly and loved wholeheartedly.
Heather may be gone from this world but she will remain in our hearts forever.

Ian & Nicky Russon

Heather was the perfect hostess and made me feel very welcome. The few times I met her we always became engrossed in deep and fascinating conversation. May she rest in peace.

Peter Faulder

Dear Heather, thank you for being so warm and welcoming every time I met you. I came to know your lovely family through being friends with Chris and I have happy memories of visiting your home in Surrey at Christmastime. I remember a house full of warmth and laughter, and how thoughtful and curious you were. We spoke about Japan, and you kindly said that my time there reminded you of your own time in Tokyo and that we should exchange stories sometime. I am so grateful to have known you.

Annie x

Annie James

Thank you Heather for welcoming me into the large circle of your friends and family. Your laugh, your inspiring creativity, your amazing sense of hospitality both in England and in France at the Maison bleue will always be alive in my heart. I will miss you Heather but I know that you are now resting in peace.

Pascale Spencer

I first met Heather when posted to Asia with Reuters, and Tom introduced me to a wonderful, dynamic and beautiful lady who quite simply made the room light up. Heather was always striking: her style, sense of colour and conversation on any topic were unique.

She cared deeply: from our first meeting in Tokyo and the delights of expat life in Oji Homes, through her visits to us later in Thailand – and on to wonderful parties in both England and France, she was always the consummate hostess with Tom, and an inspiring, loving mum.

I am proud to have known you Heather, and to have been able to share some great times with you. You were always there for Tom, Christopher and Lucy. In my heart, I know you are now at peace, and those memories of time spent with you will remain with me for always.

Graham Spencer

I met Heather doing school runs at Danes Hill. Although our lives went in very different directions we remained good friends and she supported me through some difficult times. My memory of Heather is of doing a Breast Cancer walk around London including sleeping in a tent overnight. Such fun! I will miss Heather’s effervescence and kindness. I can still hear her saying “Hello Doll” whenever I met her. Sleep well my friend. Miss you xx

Sue Rose

The few times I was allowed to meet Heather remain in my sunny and so cheerful memory. Her charisma and sparkling eyes made our encounters so harmonious.
I am very happy to have met Heather in this life and wish her eternal peace with all my heart.

With warm embraces and great sympathy.
Sandy

Sandy Roth

I only knew Heather for a short time but from the first moment it was evident what a warm, bubbly and electric person she was. She lit up the room, a quality that she has very much passed down to Lucy.
She offered me so much help and advise when I returned back to the UK looking for work, and continued to go out of her way to check in on me long after. She instantly made me feel comfortable, cared for and heard. Her generosity was so dearly appreciated.
The love and pride she had for her family was always so clear and beautiful to watch.
I wish her eternal peace. Yalda xxx

Yalda Keshavarzi

Darling Heather… light, vibrant, fun, creative, inquisitive, supportive, loving and kind. It’s been an absolute pleasure sharing space with you in yoga classes. Your presence made me a better teacher. Your support and love gave me such courage in facing my health struggles, and your passing has made me think differently about the world again. My life is richer for knowing you. Thank you for being you.

Lauren Bloxham

I will always remember Heather as a generous and sparkly woman, incredibly kind and a wonderful hostess. She will be dearly missed.

Daryl Lim

I will always have very fond memories of our shared time in Japan. I remember when Tom left to go get married to Heather and I thought that life with Tom post-marriage would not be the same. I was right but for reasons different to what I’d assumed. Heather made things better. More fun. Brought out the best in Tom. And I think that summed up Heather overall. For family. For friends. For those that she was helping. She made things better. A wonderful legacy for sure.

Anthony Plesner

Quelle belle cérémonie, Heather restera dans mon esprit pour toujours. Je me souviendrai de sa gentillesse, de son dynamisme, de son style chaleureux présent dans la maison bleue et de son écoute des autres. Une personne qui ne peut pas vous laisser indifférent par son empathie. Mes pensées vont vers Tom, mon ami, et ses enfants Christopher et Lucy qui vont devoir vivre sans la présence de leur maman ou de son épouse. Mais Heather est toujours près de nous, son vibrant esprit nous accompagnera tous les jours. Heather nous demande de poursuivre ce merveilleux voyage, elle qui savait tant donner dans son écoute des autres. Je vous embrasse bien fort. A très bientôt. Pascal

Pascal Hatat

I first met Heather in the mid-90s and we drifted in and out of contact as the Kirkup family moved around the world. Whenever we met up again Heather would remember everything from our previous encounters. I have never met anyone so genuinely interested in other people. A unique, bright gem.

Tessa Billinghurst

I met Heather many years ago when she and my husband James worked together at Trade and Industry and I arrived from the USA. There was a very active social group and Heather was a leader in organising many fun times. We had the pleasure of many fun times with Heather and Tom through the years. Heather was a huge presence – always a wonderful welcoming hostess who was truly interested in people. She was intelligent, insightful, observant and sensitive. She was a dear friend and I’ll miss her always, but I’ll remember always this amazing woman.

Barbara Griffiths

I met Heather when we moved to Matham Road in 2017. We arrived at the same time and clicked instantly. Her energy, honesty and fun made me so glad that we had moved to this road. We shared a great passion for shopping at Paradise Boutique at the end of the road – much to the frustration of Tom and my husband Phil!! Heather was so passionate about the area and really tried to get businesses and Councillors engaged and energised. I know now this was how she lived her entire life.
I loved that Heather always said whatever she felt and accepted whatever you said in return – and I will try to take that on for her going forward. I felt comfortable saying whatever I felt in her presence. No judgement only honest responses.
I loved spending time with Heather and will miss her for ever.
She was a friend and an inspiration.

Sue Hall

Rere ki runga me nga anahera
We feel extraordinarily privileged to have known Heather for many years and to have spent family holidays together when the children were little. The last visit to NZ was especially memorable as we had such great conversations about just about everything that was happening in the world, and as always Heather had great insight about complex people and situations. Our love and thoughts are with Tom, Chris and Lucy who she loved very much. Arohanui, The Birch Family

Debbie Birch

Heather radiated warmth and had this magical way of making me feel like I was back at home with my family in Australia. She, Tom and Lucy welcomed me in during my first Christmas in the UK, sharing with me incredible stories about the times they spent together living around the world. I love and cherish these stories. I’ve looked up to her as a fellow antipodean with a desire to explore the world, who made an amazing life here whilst always treasuring her roots and family in NZ.

When I think of Heather I have this vision of her on the patio in France before leaving for Lucy’s birthday dinner, radiant and stylish with her bright lipstick. She will be missed so very much. Lots of love always, Issy xx

Isabell Johnson

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