PAMELA JOAN JORGENSON LINKLATER

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PAMELA JOAN JORGENSON LINKLATER

October 30, 1920 - December 30, 2023

Mom began life with her parents Edith and John (Jack) Bounds in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba on October 30, 1920. She departed peacefully on December 30, 2023 on a one-way voyage to her new home where she will join dearest loved ones, family and friends that departed before her.

Mom was a special person who endeared herself to those she became acquainted with. Even as she crossed the 100-year mark, she remained positive and mentally sharp. She retained her sense of humour, the pleasure of a good laugh and her desire to remain in contact with family and friends.

Her family moved from Gilbert Plains to Rose Valley, Saskatchewan when she was five years old. From then on, she considered herself a Saskatchewan girl. Due to few opportunities in Rose Valley, she joined the Women’s Division of the Royal Canadian Air Force at age 21. She was stationed in various Canadian cities and worked in the officers’ mess, the canteen and the library. The library was her favourite.

During 1945, Mom met Dad, also a member of the R.C.A.F., at a dance in Winnipeg. This encounter was the beginning of a “whirl wind" romance. They met and married in just over four months. In addition to falling in love with our father, she also fell in love with his home town. She would often reflect on how very fortunate she was to live, raise a family, meet new friends and neighbours and work in Selkirk. She felt her life was greatly enhanced when Dad “swept her away” to Selkirk. Mom and Dad were married for over 47 years until Dad passed away in 1993.

Dad and his brother Ted owned and operated Ted’s Taxi which served Selkirk and the surrounding community for over 33 years. Mom enthusiastically began working in the business as soon as she married Dad. Since she was a people person, she really enjoyed driving taxi which enabled her to meet so many interesting people. There were always a variety of stories to share when you travelled the highways and byways with people from all walks of life. She also did the bookkeeping which was not quite as interesting. Working seven days a week restricted the amount of family life. It was always a treat when Mom took a day off and the kids came home to special meals including french fries, homemade cinnamon buns or freshly made pies. Mom loved to bake and pies were her specialty.

Her work also restricted the amount of volunteer work but she did find time to volunteer as a Girl Guide leader. After retirement she was able to volunteer time to the Selkirk Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Over 60 Club. Mom was delighted when the Over Sixty Club joyfully celebrated her 102nd birthday. She said they ran out of candles for the cake. She returned to the Over Sixty Club to share another birthday cake for her 103rd birthday. A highlight in her life was when the Selkirk Legion, on behalf of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, presented her with a certificate of recognition for her contribution to our country. She remained a proud member of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 42 since 1964 and Selkirk Army Navy and Airforce Unit 151 since 1956.

Mom and Dad had a wonderful time travelling together. They visited Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Cuba, Bahamas and many of the Canadian provinces. Her overall favorite was Hawaii. Other favourite excursions included family trips to Thief River Falls to visit Aunt Dolly and Uncle Joe Mead and her cousins Yvonne and Joanne.

Mom was exceptionally independent. She would often visit people she thought might need a visit or some company whether they were on their own, having health issues, in the hospital or in a nursing home.

Anyone who knew her would marvel at her positive attitude. A key to her long life was her ability to accept the circumstances that life brought and to adapt to them. If you complained to Mom you could expect to hear “Could be worse” or “What will be, will be”.

During 1998, Mom married Lorne Linklater. They shared 12 years together until Lorne passed away in 2010. They were able to spend more time together than they ever expected they would. Mom enjoyed meeting Lorne’s family and becoming part of their family and family gatherings. After Lorne passed away, she continued to receive special visits from his family which she really appreciated.

Over 20 years ago, Mom moved to Kiwanis Gardens. Little did she realize that by moving there she now belonged to a Kiwanis community which in addition to the people in the Kiwanis Gardens also included many people who live in Kiwanis on the Red. She treasured this community of friends and neighbours, past and present, who were an unexpected gift. She was overwhelmed by their kindness, support, thoughtfulness, compassion, and companionship. She genuinely appreciated the coffee get togethers, potluck dinners, special event dinners, card games, home visits and gifts (too numerous and generous to list).

Mom is survived by her daughter Heather and Harry Panaschuk, her daughter Karen Lemaire, her daughter Sandra and Brian Hnatiuk, son-in-law Doug Bird; grandchildren Cara and Craig Stefanyshyn, David Lemaire and Samantha Harris, Jennifer and Todd Burnell, Jeremy Panaschuk, Jill Hnatiuk and Tom Hammond; great-grandchildren Blake and Drew Stefanyshyn, Aiden Lemaire, Benjamin and Arthur Hammond; sister-in-law Jean Bounds, nieces and nephews, Ron and Pat Quinn, Murray and Karen Bounds, Marsha and Sid Brown, Ian Bounds and Réal Giguere, many nieces and nephews from dad's family, dear friends Margaret McCarthy and Karen Land; step-daughters Donna and Bob Mawson and family, Gail Gray and family.

Mom was predeceased by her parents Edith and John (Jack) Bounds, husband Barney, sister Nesta, sister Thelma and Jack Quinn, brother Dennis Bounds, daughter Marlene Jorgenson, son-in-law Ed Lemaire, second husband Lorne.

We feel blessed to have had our mother in our lives for so many years and she will remain in our hearts forever.

In accordance with Mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Pam’s name to a charity of your choice.

Gilbart Funeral Home in Selkirk is in charge of arrangements.

Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2024, Jan 13, 2024