Skip to content

Heidi Dora Giesbrecht

June 27, 1956 to September 16, 2008

Heidi passed peacefully away after a 22 month battle with cancer. Having recovered from two earlier life threatening cancer challenges, her determination to succeed was a formidable opponent for an unforgiving disease.


Heidi is survived by her devoted husband and best friend Roger McDonell, her loving sister Dr. Liz Giesbrecht, brother Karl Giesbrecht (Carole Skaaning), step-mother Mary (Pauls) Giesbrecht and nieces Heidi and Jami. She is also survived by her Aunt Anne Giesbrecht and Aunt Mary Friesen (John) and cousins.


Born in Morden, Manitoba to John and Heidi Giesbrecht, she was the youngest of three children. During her youth, Heidi excelled at team sports and at many other activities and academics, winning award after award.


From the age of 15, Heidi knew she would become a lawyer. At the University of Manitoba, she continued to demonstrate her academic abilities attaining the highest grade point average of all General Arts program students in her 2nd year. That same year she received the University Women’s Society Scholarship for outstanding academic achievement. She graduated from law school in 1979 and moved to British Columbia to article in law. She was called to the bar as a lawyer in British Columbia in July 1980.


After moving to Campbell River in 1981, Heidi worked for Sinnott & Stamp and Associates until she established her own practice in 1990. She took great pride in helping her clients to work through their legal difficulties and get their lives and careers back on track.


Professionally Heidi served on the Executive of the BC Trial Lawyers Association as well as being a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Canadian Bar Association and a member in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia. Her community service included being on the Board of Directors of the Museum at Campbell River and she served as a president of the Campbell River Business and Professional Women’s Network.


She enjoyed immensely the many outdoor activities available to her. From skiing to golfing, to kayaking and hiking, Heidi’s determination to make the most of every moment was an inspiration to all. She had a great passion for decorating her home and designing her gardens. Over the past four years she discovered great joy while boating with her husband, family and friends in the waters around Campbell River.


A celebration of life will be held at the Campbell River Community Centre on Friday, September 26th starting at 2:00pm. Island Funeral Services in care of arrangements 250-287-3366.


In lieu of flowers, Heidi would request a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society www.cancer.ca or the Museum at Campbell River www.crmuseum.ca.


Island Funeral Services

Elk Falls

Cremation and Reception Centre

103 - 909 Island Hwy., Campbell River • 250-287-3366



Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.