Accident victim was a 'kind, passionate human being'

 

 
 
 
 
Trackside memorial: This makeshift memorial in the 8700-block of Government Street has a note paying tribute to Heather Lauren Levine, who was killed on Sept. 6 when walking her bicycle along the train tracks.
 

Trackside memorial: This makeshift memorial in the 8700-block of Government Street has a note paying tribute to Heather Lauren Levine, who was killed on Sept. 6 when walking her bicycle along the train tracks.

Photograph by: Larry Wright , BURNABY NOW

Heather Lauren Levine, 30, has now been identified as the woman killed in a Sept. 6 accident involving Levine, her bicycle and a Rocky Mountaineer train near the intersection of Cariboo Road and Government Street.

The incident occurred around 4: 45 p.m. that Thursday.

According to Burnaby RCMP Supt. Derren Lench, Levine's bicycle was hit by the train, which then pulled her into harm's way.

A family member who requested anonymity confirmed with the Burnaby NOW on Wednesday morning that Levine was the woman killed in the accident.

A small memorial near where the accident occurred has sprouted up, with five floral arrangements, a teddy bear and a blue water bottle that appears to have come off a bicycle.

Attached to the teddy bear is a note that reads: "We are all deeply saddened at your passing. Words will never adequately explain how I feel. You were a tremendously gifted triathlete, but more importantly, a kind, passionate human being. I enjoyed our Half-Iron training and the weekend rides thereafter. I was in awe at your strength."

According to Levine's obituary, which ran last weekend in a daily newspaper, Levine was born in Brandon, MB on May 25, 1982 and attended Simon Fraser University, where she earned her BSc in economics and statistics and a bachelor of business administration. Levine worked for the Ministry of Health and the Fraser Health Authority as a financial analyst and later earned her CGA designation.

Levine was also a newlywed, having married Lee Goudzwaard on Sept. 23, 2011.

The couple was within weeks of celebrating their first anniversary when the accident occurred.

Levine also leaves behind her parents Penny Rossman and Norman Levine (Arlene); sister Robyn; niece Savanna and nephew Riley; and many family and friends.

Funeral services for Levine were held on Sept. 11.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Trackside memorial: This makeshift memorial in the 8700-block of Government Street has a note paying tribute to Heather Lauren Levine, who was killed on Sept. 6 when walking her bicycle along the train tracks.
 

Trackside memorial: This makeshift memorial in the 8700-block of Government Street has a note paying tribute to Heather Lauren Levine, who was killed on Sept. 6 when walking her bicycle along the train tracks.

Photograph by: Larry Wright , BURNABY NOW

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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