Heather Henrichs

How do you measure a year? For some it's in diapers, report cards, for others it's 525,600 minutes. The theme song from the Broadway musical RENT answered the question in this way: Measure you life in love. Heather did just that.

Heather Karin Henrichs was born on June 14th, 1973 in Billings. She graduated from West High School and Blanco Blanco School of Cosmetology. Heather's career as a hair designer at Blanco Blanco and later Sanctuary Spa and Salon provided a great source of satisfaction by melding her two great loves – art and close personal conversations. A dancer all of her life, Heather studied and later taught many students to love dance and the art of expression the way that she did.

In 1995 she married Scott Henrichs. This partnership produced her sweet prince, Tristan. Her most valued role in life was being Tristan's mother. During her pregnancy, Heather learned that she had cancer. When Tristan was born, Heather began her journey as a mother with a very serious form of cancer. While the illness slowly took away her ability to work in hair design and dance she accepted the reality and found new outlets and way to connect with her family and friends. Until the latest stages of her illness, Heather found new ways to express herself as a creative dance director and though painting.

Heather loved to travel and she was always up for a trip. Driving with her sister to Los Angeles or family trips with her beloved brothers- in-law, she was always up for it. Heather added an uncommon glow and optimism to the world. She put others first. Heather was deeply committed to her faith in God and believed without question in the saving power of Jesus. This faith centered Heather in every aspect of her life.

Heathers family would like to extend a special thanks to the Relief Society, the Hockey Parents, and to her many friends for their many years of kindness and service during her illness.

She is survived by her husband Scott Henrichs; son Tristan Henrichs; parents Bjorn and Chris Bornes; siblings, Bjorn (Lindsey) Bornes, Leif Bornes, and Tove Bornes; grandparents James and Irene Harris; her in-laws, Dr. James and Janice Scott and Joyce Lavotto; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Leif Bornes and Anna Bertelsen.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., on Saturday, January 13, 2007, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2929 Belvedere, Billings, MT. Interment will follow at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park. The casket will be open and the family will receive guests from 1-7 P.M. on Friday, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. The casket will be closed at the church. Friends are asked to make memorial donations to the Heather Henrichs Memorial Fund, c/o US Bank Downtown, Attn: Janet Lamb, 303 N Broadway, Billings, M T 59101.

“My life, it's better left to chance. I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance.”

Heather touched so many lives. I will never forget her amazing sense of humor and smile. As it says in lyrics of the Broadway production of “Wicked”, “Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better…but because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” Laura Simonsen