WILLOW SPINK -

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WILLOW SPINK 1921 - 2006 Willow June Spink (nee Reid), wife of the late Dr. Roy G. Spink, died on June 11, 2006 at the Health Sciences Centre of complications from a car accident. Predeceased by her son Mark in 1971 and her husband in 1973, Willow is survived by her six children, 17 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Touching countless lives by her generosity and compassion, Willow had a gift for helping others. She was devoted to her family, church and community. Ralph Waldo Emerson defined success as the ability to find the best in others; to give one's self; to leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition. By this standard, Willow was incredibly successful. She was proud of all her children, whom she had raised to value frugality, hard work and commitment. For decades, she worshipped and volunteered at the Norwood United Church (now St. Mary's Road United), serving as the outreach coordinator for many years and as an active member of the United Church Women until her death. Willow also cared about the environment and found creative ways to reduce, reuse, recycle long before these practices were commonplace. A long time resident of Norwood, Willow was well known in the community. She had participated in programs at the local YMCA, Age and Opportunity Bureau, and Manitoba Association of Seniors. She was also a Neighborhood Watch contact on her block for the past 17 years. For years, Willow's home in Norwood and cottage at Falcon Lake were filled with comings and goings of her children and their friends. Everyone was always welcome, even at a moment's notice. A seasoned world-traveller, Willow had an adventurous and independent spirit. Although she often travelled by herself, she rarely felt alone. She readily connected with local residents and felt welcome and safe in their midst. Willow will be lovingly remembered and truly missed by many, especially her children and their families: June (Peter) Spencer, Gordon (Alexa Perez), Roger (Loretta), Joy (Hans) Janssen, Rena (Ray) Ramsey, and Laurie (Tony) Broe. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 16, at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Mary's Road United Church, St. Mary's Road at St. Anne's Road with a reception to follow at the church. If friends would like to make a charitable donation in Willow's memory, we know she would appreciate their support of one of her favourite social agencies, Macdonald Youth Services, 175 Mayfair Ave. Winnipeg, MB, R3L 0A1 (477-1722). The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses of the Surgical Intensive Care at Health Sciences Centre for the tender care and compassion shown our mother. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2006