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VICTOR PINCHIN

VICTOR LLOYD PINCHIN November 11, 1918 - June 29, 2012 Victor was born in Vancouver, B.C. on November 11, 1918, the youngest of 10 children of William and Bertha. As a youth in the Depression, he had many part-time jobs during his schooling, learning the bakery business from his father, and delivering everything from papers, to meat, to ice. After graduating from Lord Byng High School, he worked in the coastal town of Ocean Falls, BC to save enough money for university, the only one of his siblings able to do so. Graduating U.B.C. in Agriculture, he was seconded to the War Time Bureau of Supply, where his training as a meat cutter was more essential to the war effort than his university ROTC training. He met Gwen Hammond in the chorus of the UBC Musical Society. They were married on February 4, 1944 and spent 66 loving years together until she passed away in 2010. He missed her dearly. Vic's last 35 employment years were in Industrial Relations with Canada Safeway, with whom he was transferred to Winnipeg in 1960. He retired in 1984 as Vice-President, but continued to serve on employee trust boards for another 15+ years. Vic was a life-long entertainer, starting by standing on a chair to recite poetry to his mother's WCTU meetings; singing with dance bands in the 1940s; directing a Gilbert Sullivan troupe though the 1950s; numerous performances with Rainbow Stage, MTC, and entertaining at many hospitals and senior facilities, particularly Lions Manor and Lions Place. Just two weeks ago, he was still leading the Lions Club of Winnipeg in the anthems at their weekly meeting. Never one to decline a request to volunteer, for over 50 years he served Rainbow Stage (Past President and inaugural Wall of Fame recipient), Lions Club of Winnipeg (Past President and Life member), Red River Exhibition (Past Director). His philanthropy covered a broad spectrum of Winnipeg charities, and will continue through his fund at the Winnipeg Foundation. For 52 years, he was a member of Southwood Golf and Country Club, a Blue Bomber season ticket holder and MTC season ticket holder; Manitoba Opera since 1971, Winnipeg Symphony Pops concerts, and Prairie Theatre Exchange. Our sincere thanks go to Dr. Brian Sharkey for his many years of TLC, and to the staff at Victoria Hospital- fourth floor north and emergency. At 93, Vic still enjoyed living in his own house. We are most thankful for companionship of his close friend Alison Moore and for the attention, love and care from his long-time neighbours, Josephine and Don, Elaine, Clara, Norma, Joy and the daily home care visits, especially Joan. Vic's memory will live on through his son Rick (Pat) and grandson Jeff, daughter Heather (John) Stubbs, his brother Herb, and his numerous relatives and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vic's name to Lions Housing Foundation (320 Sherbrook St.) or Rainbow Stage (180 Market Ave.) A Celebration of Vic's life will be held at Lions Place, 610 Portage Ave. on Friday, July 13 at 2:00 p.m. Funeral Home and Crematorium 774-7474 Condolences:www.bardal.ca
Publish Date: Jul 7, 2012

VICTOR LLOYD PINCHIN 1918 - 2012 With deep sadness, we advise that Victor passed away on Friday, June 29, 2012 at the Victoria Hospital, with son Rick, daughter Heather, and daughter-in-law Pat at his side. Longer notice will follow on Saturday, July 7, 2012.
Publish Date: Jul 2, 2012

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on July 07, 2012

Guest Book(15 entries)

  • I will dearly miss Vic's beloved and kind face at Rainbow Stage. I have volunteered there for 18 years; I started with my precious daughter, Lisa, a young woman with Down Syndrome, whom we lost in 2005 to cancer. I will never, EVER forget Vic's kindness to her as he addressed her with, "Hi Kid! Don't you look beautiful today!" He always had time for her, giving her a big bear hug and asking her what she was doing and what cast member she was in love with. (No one ever came close to Scott Peter!) I can't even think of Rainbow without thinking of Vic. Even though I only saw him at productions, I fell in love with his love of theatre and people and his dedication to the causes close to his heart. I will miss his smile, his voice over the mic, and his wonderful , warm personality. God bless you, Vic. May you be making beautiful music with Ken, Ron, Marlene,and Lisa in heaven, reunited with your beloved wife. My deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family. I will never forget your dad; his passing is a profound loss to the many people who loved him.
    - Posted by: Roberta Mitchell (friend from Rainbow Stage) on: Aug 25, 2012
  • I was secretary to Vic Pinchin in the 1970s. I would always see him at Rainbow Stage, a place he was passionate about. So sorry for his loss.
    - Posted by: Erma (secretary) on: Jul 10, 2012
  • Vic was really one of a kind impossible to replace so will never be forgotten. His contributions to his work with Safeway and the local entertainment scene will last forever. Please accept our deepest sympathy for this loss.
    - Posted by: Roger/Kerry Kane (Friends) on: Jul 10, 2012
  • I became the Executive Director of the Lions Club of Wpg Housing Centres on Nov 1st 1964 and was there until Oct 31st 1989. And of course this is where I met Vic Pinchin and so many other fabulous Lions. Vic was an entertainer as we all know and I can't count the many times he was at Lions Manor entertaining the residents and the staff too of course. There are always some people which are special and Vic was one of those. He was also on the Board of Directors so in some ways he was my boss and I appreciated him so much. Always positive and encouraging. Our relationship however was more than a business relationship. Vic and I went for breakfast long after I retired and our last breakfast was on May 15th. I was to call him in the week of July the 2nd and that breakfast we will not have and I regret that. Thank you Vic for being the kind of person that you were and I thank-you so much for your friendship. God bless your family as we remember together with them what you have meant to our lives and especially to mine.
    - Posted by: Jake Suderman (Friend to discuss with and have breakfast with) on: Jul 10, 2012
  • Vince was a dear man. I had the pleasure of working with him in "Damn Yankees" and his joy and passion knew no bounds, whether onstage or off his commitment to the theatre and most notably Rainbow Stage was constant.
    - Posted by: Karen McDonald (fellow actor at Rainbow Stage) on: Jul 8, 2012
  • Rick, John and I are so sorry to read of your fathers passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sincerely, Lana&John
    - Posted by: John/Lana Irwin (Friend) on: Jul 8, 2012
  • As a receptionist in the 90s for both Rainbow Stage and Lions Manor/Place, I had the pleasure of meeting Vic and the utmost respect for a gentleman who treated all equally. He would always take time to smile, share a joke/story and speak of his family with such admiration. My heartfelt condolences to you.
    - Posted by: Janet Carr (Employee) on: Jul 7, 2012
  • He was a wonderful man who was always fun to be with. My sincere sympathy.
    - Posted by: Diane Paterson, Kelowna (Friend) on: Jul 7, 2012
  • I was fortunate to meet Vic Pinchin when I joined the Lions Club a number of years ago. I write the monthly newsletter "RUMBLES" for the Lions Club and this is my reminiscences of Vic Pinchin. What a life he had. What spirit he possessed and what a sharp mind he had. I never thought of him as old as he had a boyish glint to his personality. He lived into his 90's and was a long time and dedicated Lion for over 50 years. He regaled the Club with his energetic singing of O Canada, God Save the Queen and his many funny stories and renditions. Vic, you'll be missed but never forgotten. Sincerely, Hannon Bell
    - Posted by: Hannon Bell (Friend and fellow Lion) on: Jul 4, 2012
  • I first met Vic Pinchin in the summer of 1965. I was managing the concessions at Rainbow Stage, and Vic was the original 'energizer bunny'. He did absolutely everything, including an endless string of major character parts on the boards. He was pushing 80 when we finally got to share the stage in "Damn Yankees". I also knew Vic through his day job at Canada Safeway, and I have been blessed to count his son Rick as a friend, thanks to Delta Upsilon. Vic was one of those priceless people that make Winnipeg such a wonderful, caring community. Take one more curtain call my friend, on that great stage that awaits us all.
    - Posted by: Roger Currie (friend) on: Jul 4, 2012
  • To say that Vic waltzed into the office would be a misdemeanour: it was always a song and dance! Every summer he enjoyed himself at Rainbow Stage and was proud of Safeway night. I felt sorry for the other side of the bargaining table-did they know that Vic was serious or only acting!! I was looking forward to seeing you at Safeway night August 8th. Miss you Vic-a class act.
    - Posted by: colin dederick (co-worker) on: Jul 3, 2012
  • Vic and Cliff Gardiner took a very young actor under their wings and led him through the life of an actor. Years later when that actor had found his feet and was plying his craft Vic would always call and take him and Cliff to lunch, where they would catch up and fondly remember. He was a gentle man and I'm proud forever to call him friend.
    - Posted by: jim mezon (friend) on: Jul 3, 2012
  • Vic was a warm, generous and hospitable man, and a fine actor. He was also my link to our mutual Winnipeg friends, the Stouts and the Coughlins. One of the sweetest memories of my life is from the summer of '84: FIDDLER, Cliff Gardner as Tevye, Vic as The Constable, me as a toupee-wearing Motel. The Bombers were unbeatable that year, and we three sat in the dressing-room, huddled 'round a radio, listening to the Bombers do it all! Winnipeg is the poorer for your absence, Vic. So is Canadian theatre. Deepest condolences to Gwen and Heather and family. With love, from Nick Rice
    - Posted by: Nicholas Rice (friend, colleague) on: Jul 2, 2012
  • Vic was one of those individuals that everyone LOVED! Always ready with a smile, a quip or a joke, his mere presence lifted the spirit of everyone around him. His fractured nursery rhymes over the PA at Rainbow Stage's evening performances over the years always got the audience "warmed up" and created a Family atmosphere. He will be sorely missed!
    - Posted by: Richard Hurst (Friend) on: Jul 2, 2012
  • The most bubbly and positive man I ever met. He will be sadly missed by all. God Bless
    - Posted by: ron castelane (friend) on: Jul 2, 2012

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