Heather THICKPENNY Obituary

Deepest sympathy to the family. A lovely lady

Our thoughts are with you Brian and family. Frances, Alan(deceased), Jill and David Wilson

Heather you were the kindest and most caring lady. You will be missed by many! Our thoughts are with Brian and the family at this sad time xox

Our thoughts are with you Brian Kim and Jan at this sad time . Rest in peace Heather lovely lady the Wells family's

Our thoughts are with you Brian Jan and Kim at this sad time . Rest in peace Heather all our love from the Wells family's

Mum is a word that is short for compassion. Compassion is not someone who gives advice, it is not someone who guides you. It is someone who shares you journey with you, it is someone who walks your journey with you. Shares you pain, happiness and sorrow. Compassion is Mum

You were so much of our lives growing up at the Port will miss your kindness and lovely nature have a stout with Bill and Peter love Warren,Surinder and Vicki

When I was five I happily went off to school with my big brother. I loved Tuakau Primary school. I learnt to read, write and do arithmetic. I enjoyed everything about school except for one thing. The small building down by the gate, that housed the nurses the drills and all those tools that the our generation feared and so dubbed this building the ‘murder house'
When I returned to Tuakau Primary for my first year of teaching, I saw that building was still there. I waited for my class to react to their visits to the ‘murder house' as we had done. However, when a small, neat, friendly lady appeared at the door of my classroom and asked for a couple of children. I was indeed impressed by the happy children who trotted off with the ‘dental therapist' for her to look at their teeth. In a short while I realised this visit was not the bogey that we feared as children but that these children trusted and had faith in Heather and that their visits were in fact enjoyable and children realised that they were there to be helped by a kind, caring person.
As I continued teaching I enjoyed interacting with the staff and found that Heather was an important member of this close knit group. She was positive, friendly, helpful and always supportive. She was always neat, immaculate and organised. She made time to talk and was a great listener. She was caring and thoughtful. She had a wicked sense of humour and a smile that would light up any room. She had the respect and trust of all children, parents and staff. Heather was an important and valued member of staff and we were disappointed when the Health Department changed the goal post and Heather was only at our clinic for a short time each year before moving around to other schools. When Heather retired she slipped quietly out of the school after the staff recognised the valuable role she had played for many years.
Retirement as I am discovering is a good time to reflect, and spend time with family and friends. I know Heather had time to do this and I know she looked forward and enjoyed her time at Port Waikato. It seems too soon to say goodbye however, I know that she has fulfilled an important role and touched many lives in her chosen career. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.
To Brian and Heather's family I extend my heartfelt sympathy and at this time it is important to hold on to the great memories for they are like fine gold and will last for ever. Our thought and prayers are with you at this time. Take care, Talk and listen to each other and remember, Heather will always be with you.
Maylene & Gary Sizemore

Dear Heather, sweetest friend with the kindest nature and someone you always looked forward to being with, her infectious giggle and twinkling eyes will always be remembered with heartfelt fondness. We are very sad for Brian, Jan, Kim and their families and send our love at this time. Sincerely, Andrew, Simmon, Hannah & Daniel Brewster.

To Kim, Kevin and boys and the Thickpenny family
Our thoughts are with you all at this challenging time. Kia kaha.. stay strong. Love Julie and Wayne Thomas

You made everyone feel special but you were the special one.
Love to all the Thickpenny family.
Suzanne - Christchurch

Port Waikato and Heather - the two just go together. Our thoughts are with Brian, Jann, Kim, and their families at this very sad time. Heather was a dear friend to many and will be terribly missed.
Rachel & Brook Johnstone

We will miss you Heather and that gorgeous smile. Rest in peace. Arohanui, the Klay family, Port Waikato

My Deepest sympathy to you Brian and girls, it was a shock to read in paper. My thoughts and prayers are with u. Denise Butler (Hamilton NZ)

Dear friend and second mum to Ted. Will be sadly missed. RIP. Ted, Maree and family