Heather Threlfall passed away in her sleep on May 16, 2011 at the young age of 62. She was battling breast cancer.
Heather and her husband Dick ran Hawaii Island Goat Diary in beautiful Ahualoa on the Big Island, where Heather was the Chief Cheese Maker among other things.
When you first come up to their farm you get the sense that you are about to be transported into a storybook. And a telling tale of the Threlfall’s farm is that all their goats have names.
Each year meant a new goal – to create a new cheese that would blow the white jackets off their chef friends – and who were also customers. This year was no different, despite a second bout with cancer and rounds of chemotherapy. She had a zest for life as a goat dairy farmer and nationally recognized, award-winning goat cheese maker.
Heather had backbone, true grit. She also had an incredible passion for her craft that you could taste it in her cheese. Heather was one of the first farmers Lisa and I wanted to interview but because of the circumstances, we decided to wait for a better time.
When we lose such a person one might hope that a young woman will emerge and fill the void. We know of a young person with Heather’s sparkle and desire to make great cheese. That young woman visited Heather on her farm a few months ago. Heather and Dick shared what they knew with young people and that will be part of Heather’s legacy.
Aloha ‘oe, Heather. Your spirit lives.
-Dan
Thank you Heather for your wit,love, and ability to look thru the short term and see the big picture. We hope Dick will continue to follow your lead and create cheeses that we all can enjoy for a long time.
Peace and happy memories to Dick and Heather’s brother Jim.
Heather’s passion and light — her love for Dick and each of their beautiful goats — lives on. For now, the night is a bit darker without her. With much love and aloha to Dick and Jim,
Margaret
Dan a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person.
Dearest Heather left her mark and set a standard…a special way to live and work. We were blessed with not only her delicious cheese but her care for her animals and farm. We must be confident that she has sparked the passion in another who will step up and try to fill her awesome footprints. Love and peace to Dick and Jim.
I just saw the film Forks and Knives last night at the Regal Dole Cannery.
They talk extensively about research conclusions about casein in milk and disease.
Heather RIP.
Mahalo.
Another shepherd has found her way to the heavenly flocks. I did not know you well, but we were kindred shepherds in our love for the most amazing creatures, our precious dairy goats. Aloha nui loa.