IRENE L. M. BANKS (1951 - 2005)

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IRENE L. M. BANKS (1951 - 2005) Peacefully at Grace Hospice in Winnipeg, Irene Banks died on November 10, 2005. Irene was born and raised in Oxbow, SK daughter of Evelyn and Roy Banks. She is survived by her mother, brother Walter (Laura), sisters, Sheila (Reg) Glennie and Karen (Dick) McMurray and niece and nephews, Katherine and Carleton Banks, Kelsey, Kyall, Devin Glennie. Irene's intelligence, grace and generosity were reflected in her stellar academic background and her strong sense of social commitment to those in society who were less fortunate than herself. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree and certificate with High Honours in Economics from the University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus. Throughout her post-secondary education, which culminated in a Master's Degree in Economics from Queen's University, she received numerous scholarships and awards for academic achievement. After receiving her degree from Queen's University, Irene worked for the Economic Council of Canada before moving to Winnipeg in 1977, where she began a distinguished career in the Government of Manitoba, serving under Premiers Schreyer, Lyon, Pawley and Filmon. Initially, Irene was a member of the Cabinet's Planning Secretariat and then joined the Federal-Provincial Relations and Research Division of the Department of Finance, becoming the Department's chief economist, and earning widespread respect from colleagues across Canada and in international capital markets for the professionalism, rigour, candour and brilliance of her analysis. Despite a tragic and premature end to her professional career, Irene continued to enjoy what she could in life. She maintained her interest in social issues and supported many organizations dedicated to humanitarian goals. A gracious host, she welcomed many friends into her home for fine food and stimulating conversation. She had a keen interest in dance, music, literature and art. Irene also had a wonderful eye for design and had filled her home with small objects of beauty and whimsy from around the world. And most of all, she loved to travel. She took great pleasure in her annual trips to spend the winter months in Puerto Escondido, Mexico where she developed many long-term friendships. For the past 15 years she fought a long and difficult battle. She used every ounce of her formidable intelligence and will to push back against the limitations of her illness, to broaden her options, to live life to the fullest. We are left to honour the memory of her immense courage and determination and to miss our friend, Irene. Cremation has taken place. Friends, family and associates are invited to join together for a memorial service in celebration of her life on Saturday, November 26 at 3:30 p.m. at 3 - 544 Wardlaw Ave. In recognition of the care provided to Irene over the past year, donations may be made to Grace Hospice, in care of Grace General Hospital Foundation, 300 Booth Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3J 3M7. Condolences may be emailed to thomsonfh@alderwoods.com. Thomson Funeral Home 783-7211 in Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 17, 2005