Heather Marie Johnson Finch

Heather died tragically in an airplane accident in Nepal, on August 24, 2010, while living her dream to explore Mt. Everest. Heather was an avid hiker with a goal of reaching the summit of the highest mountain in every State, and she always proclaimed the view from the top of the world was the closest thing to being with God.



Heather, 40, was born on February 2, 1970 in Norman, Oklahoma to Phil Johnson and Karla Firestone. She was raised in Clinton, Utah and graduated from Clearfield High School. Heather was an overachiever in every aspect of life, including her work at the law firm of Howard, Lewis, & Petersen, receiving Utah's highest award available to paralegals: the Distinguished Paralegal Of The Year Award from the Utah State Bar in 2009, and was also Chair of the Paralegal Division of the Utah State Bar at the time of her passing.



Heather was a devoted wife, mother, and wonderful friend. She is survived by her husband Douglas Finch and children Amber, Eric, Chrystal, Christopher, and Samantha. Grandchildren Evander and Lydia. Father Phil Johnson. Mother Karla Johnson. Sister Brittany, brother-in-law John Dietrich, nieces Eryn and Rylee, and so many special friends and colleagues that are greatly appreciated. She is also survived by her paternal grandparents Ross & Aileen Johnson, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Estes and Trudy Firestone and uncle Stan Jackson, M.D.



Funeral Services will be held on Saturday October 23, 2010, 12:30 p.m., at the LDS chapel located at 80 South 280 East, Orem Utah. Family and friends are invited to extend their personal condolences in the Relief Society Room between 11:00 a.m. and Noon prior to the service. A luncheon will also be served at 3:00 p.m. in the cultural hall to visit with Heather's family.



In lieu of flowers and to honor Heather's life and accomplishments, a first-ever Memorial Endowed Scholarship has been established at Utah Valley University by the Paralegal Division of the Utah State Bar. Colleagues and friends are encouraged to make donations to this scholarship fund through the Utah State Bar to keep Heather's memory and good works alive. A joint memorial fund has also been established for the families of Heather Finch and Leuzi Cardoso at AmBank in Provo.