Heather White’s life was celebrated on the 24th March 2026, by a gathering of local carers, friends, nieces, nephews and acquaintances. Ann Scott, Helen and Eddie Schuuring and I were present, acknowledging our connection with Heather through Field Nats. She and her husband John had come to Tasmania from the Blue Mountains where they had a daffodil farm. They continued gardening in Bridport growing many varieties of Camellia and orchids in a specially built shade house.
The gathering was a joyful occasion because Heather had, during her 99 years, lived a full and vibrant life, taking on many activities and roles unusual for a woman at the time. For example, in the 1940’s, she gained an arts degree and then studied veterinary science. She worked as a librarian for the Sydney Morning Herald, the CSIRO and the Atomic Energy Research Establishment.
As a strong walker in her leisure time, she was also active in outdoor activities like climbing, canoeing and cross country skiing. She played a liaison role in many search and rescue operations. Just have a look at her climbing barefoot in the Blue Mountains.
When Heather and John joined the North East Field Naturalist Club in 1991, they were soon elected to executive roles, John as President and a little later, Heather as Secretary [1993-94]
Their contribution to the club was like a changing of the old guard – they succeeded Charles Taylor and Michael Cook who had been Secretary and Treasurer respectively for 21 years.
As we realised whilst caring for Heather, she was a meticulous record keeper; notes from every meeting Field Nats held at the time, both Committee meetings, General meetings and AGMs were written by hand.They had many meetings, some of which were about putting together the Constitution for the Club. They were often held in Heather and John’s home in Henry Street, Bridport.
John died in 2001. For the next 25 years, until she died early in 2026, Heather lived in her home involving herself in community activities like U3A, Red Cross, National Trust and the Arts and Crafts Exhibition.
After John’s death in 2001, a table and benches were erected in the Winifred Curtis Reserve in Scamander in his memory and arrangements have been made for a plaque for Heather there as well.
Louise Brooker.
