Heather Dutchak Death: It is with broken hearts and deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Heather Dutchak, a beloved member of the Siksika EMS family, a cherished colleague, a loyal friend, and a compassionate soul who dedicated her life to serving others. Heather passed away peacefully on the night of April 12, 2025, at Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary, surrounded by her loved ones—her family, and her close friends Ksenia, Helena, and CJ, who never left her side.
Heather’s sudden departure has sent a wave of grief through the EMS community, and through everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. For those who served beside her, Heather wasn’t just a partner on shift—she was a constant source of strength, wisdom, and calm in the most chaotic of situations. She was the kind of person who made others feel instantly at ease, who knew how to lighten a heavy moment with a sharp sense of humor or a kind word, and who gave her all—day in and day out—to the people and communities she served.
Heather joined Siksika EMS with a heart full of purpose and a fierce dedication to making a difference. She carried her responsibilities with professionalism and integrity, but it was her warmth and humanity that made her truly unforgettable. In every call, in every long overnight shift, in every challenging situation, Heather brought not only her skill and training but also her empathy and grace. She never treated people like patients—she treated them like human beings, deserving of care, dignity, and understanding.
One of her colleagues recalls a memory that so many can relate to—“One of my first shifts at Siksika EMS was with Heather. She looked at me and said, ‘You look like a CJ, and I’m gonna call you CJ.’ I’ve been CJ ever since.” That was Heather in a sentence—instinctively personal, deeply observant, and always creating connections. She gave people nicknames, cracked jokes in the middle of long drives, and remembered the smallest details about her co-workers’ lives. It was this effortless warmth that made her not only a teammate but a friend, a mentor, and a sister to so many.
To work with Heather was to feel seen and supported. Whether you were new to the job or a seasoned responder, Heather made you feel like you belonged. She had a sixth sense for knowing when someone needed a laugh, a moment to breathe, or someone to talk to. And when you were out in the field with her, you knew—without question—that she had your back.
But beyond the uniform, Heather lived her life with authenticity and deep care for those around her. She was grounded, witty, fiercely loyal, and incredibly brave. She loved hard, worked tirelessly, and gave more of herself than anyone ever asked. She didn’t need recognition or praise—Heather’s reward was knowing she had helped someone, made someone’s day a little easier, or eased someone’s pain. That was her legacy: quiet, steady, heartfelt service.
To say Heather’s passing is a loss to the EMS community is an understatement. It is a heartbreak. Her absence is already deeply felt in the hallways, in the radio silence, and in the empty seat beside us. The weight of this grief is heavy, and we encourage everyone who knew her—whether on shift, at training, or in life—to lean on each other, to talk, to remember her, and to keep her spirit alive in every act of compassion we carry forward.
Heather is survived by her loving family, whose strength and grace during these days of mourning have been a reflection of the same love Heather gave so freely. Her family, along with her close circle of friends and EMS family, stood beside her in her final moments, and for that, there is some comfort in knowing she was never alone.
As we wait for further details regarding memorial services or gatherings, we ask that you continue to hold Heather’s loved ones close in your thoughts and prayers. Updates will be shared via Facebook and other platforms to ensure her community can come together in remembrance.
Heather Dutchak, you were more than a colleague—you were a sister, a guide, and a bright, unwavering light in some of life’s darkest moments. Your legacy lives on in every life you touched, in every shift we work, and in every heart you made just a little lighter.
Rest easy, sweet angel.
You will always be remembered.
You will always be loved.
You will never be forgotten. 💙🚑🕊️
