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ARNOLD GEORGE MINISH Obituary pic

ARNOLD GEORGE MINISH

Born: Oct 04, 1930

Date of Passing: May 15, 2014

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ARNOLD GEORGE MINISH Arnold Minish died peacefully on May 15, 2014 at the Selkirk Hospital from the complications of Alzheimer's Disease. A resident of Selkirk since 1972, he leaves to mourn his wife of 58 years, June, as well as his children Tanis (Don), Kim (John), Kelley (Joel), and Lane (Janice), his nine grandchildren, his one surviving brother Roy, and numerous extended family members. Arnold was born on October 4, 1930 in the Swan River Valley, one of nine children. Arnold was a dedicated educator. Most of his 36 years were spent in administration, but he also spent many in the classroom. He started with three years on permit, then as principal at Binscarth then in the Major Pratt Collegiate in Russell. He was promoted to superintendent of Pelly Trail, then moved to Selkirk as Superintendent of Lord Selkirk Division. The remaining years he was employed in the Seven Oaks School Division, teaching and finally, as Principal of Garden City Collegiate, a job he truly loved. He joked that he wore out a pair of shoes every year patrolling the hallways, interacting with students with humour and affection, and ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for teachers and students. He and his wife also had great memories of escorting students on three overseas tours to Europe and Asia. He retired in June of 1991. In retirement he dedicated many hours to the wellbeing of the Gordon Howard Seniors Centre. He was an avid golfer and loved to be out on the course first thing in the morning. He had a lifelong passion for gardening, hunting and fishing, and instilled this in his children and grandchildren. He was a gifted woodworker and handyman, and had so many other gifts which he freely shared with all who sought his counsel. His curiosity, creativity, bravery and love will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank Dr. Lindenschmidt, the caregivers at Red River Place and the staff of the Selkirk Hospital for their excellent care. A memorial tea will be held on June 1 at 2:00 p.m. at the Selkirk United Church Hall, 202 McLean Ave., Selkirk. A celebration of Arnold's life and interment will also occur in August in the Swan River Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Gordon Howard Seniors Centre or the Alzheimer Society. Condolences may be sent through the Free Press or http://www.gilbartfuneralhome.com/.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 24, 2014

Condolences & Memories (17 entries)

  • I only learned of Mr. Minish's passing and wanted to convey my condolences. I was a student at GCCI when he was the Principal (graduated in 1989). I have many fond memories of him and many great stories I cherish. He was a caring & understanding person & a wonderful mentor. I will always appreciate and remember him. - Posted by: Svetlana Sobelman (Former Student) on: Jul 23, 2020

  • To Mrs. June Minish & Family, I am sending condolences on the loss of Arnold on behalf of my husband Ron & myself. I am a former Major Pratt Collegiate graduate and Mr. Minish was my teacher and principal. Upon finishing high school Mr. Minish wrote a referral letter for me to get into Teacher Training. When I first started out working as a Teacher in Angusville and Russell, Mr. Minish was my very first Superintendent. I found him to be very supportive and helpful especially to a first year teacher. Mr. Minish was a huge help to me in my career and I never forgot the help that he gave me. I was privileged to meet up with him a few years ago at the Silverton Reunion and we had a wonderful visit catching up on each others lives. I always felt that he was ahead of his time with his philosophy about education, and he will be missed by all who knew him. Meryl (Poole) Orth - Posted by: Meryl (Poole) Orth ( Former Student/Colleague) on: Jun 27, 2014

  • He shared his gifts of laughter and smoked fish around the table to create a hearty welcome. - Posted by: Mary Anne Isaak (friend of his daughter) on: May 29, 2014

  • My deepest sympathy to June, Roy and all the Minish families. I met Arnold in Grandview circa the time of Construction of the Grandview High School. Arnold was a mentor to me for which I have many fond memories. Arnold's passing weighs very heavy on us. He is in an amazing place now. The sorrow down here will take awhile to heal. May God be with you in recalling the pleasant memories. R.I.P. my good friend. - Posted by: Morris Huska (Friend) on: May 28, 2014

  • My deepest condolences to the Minish family. It was 28 years ago that Arnold was one of the administrators that gave me my start in education. He was very passionate in his job and truly cared about making Garden City the best for all. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Missy Penner (colleague at Garden City Collegiate) on: May 28, 2014

  • I will always remember him as a kind and loving man, with a wonderful sense of humour; and as a life-long friend to my Uncle Norman. We extend our sincere sympathy to you at this sad time. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Linda (Fergusson) Mallett (friend) on: May 25, 2014

  • Remembering a great neighbour and former teacher at Major Pratt. Rick Thom ( former student from Russell) - Posted by: Rick Thom (Former student) on: May 25, 2014

  • Mr. Minish was one of my teachers at both Edmund Partridge and West Kildonan Collegiate. I learned a lot from Mr. Minish even though I was not the easiest student. Condolences to his family during this difficult time. He will always be remembered by many of his former students. - Posted by: Richard Reif (Student) on: May 25, 2014

  • Minish Construction was well known in the Swan Valley under the direction of his brother Roy - who built our home and after many years still stands Strong. Aluminum siding and Amtico flooring were just on the market. He also built a cement shuffleboard on the north side of our home over fifty years ago and there are still NO CRACKS!!! The Minish families were well respected community people and Arnold will be missed tremendously by family and friends. God be with you all. - Posted by: Sandra (Cotton) Drysdale (friend of Minish family in Swan River) on: May 25, 2014

  • You are a Great leader, you will be missed by anybody who's life you influenced. - Posted by: George Payne (Student) on: May 25, 2014

  • Thoughts and prayers to the family of Mr. Minish. He challenged us at Garden City Collegiate to be and do our best and I am a better person for his influence. Rest in Peace Mr. Minish. - Posted by: Janine Brown (Former student at Garden City Collegiate) on: May 25, 2014

  • Thank you sir for always caring about us all. You were a wonderful principal and made me laugh daily. You always took the time to ask me about how Judo was going for me. You were such a wonderful man! My deepest sympathies and condolences to you all! - Posted by: Evelina Berger Pescitelli (Former student of Garden City Collegiate) on: May 25, 2014

  • Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Karen Komar (GC student 1986-1988) on: May 24, 2014

  • Mr. Minish had a great & wonderful influence on my life. He was a wonderful principal & amazing person. He will not be forgotten! - Posted by: Svetlana Sobelman (Garden City Collegiate graduate) on: May 24, 2014

  • My condolences to the family as he was a great principal and person. - Posted by: Tammy Squires(Avery) (student of Garden City Collegiate ) on: May 24, 2014

  • It's a very sad day. I hope that Mr. Minish realized that he made a difference in at least one person's life. I will never forget going to him with a problem with my parents abuse and nobody believed me. He put his big arms around me and said "don't worry I believe you" and you know I could feel he really did. It's been over 20 years since that day and I will never forget it. You were an amazing man and to me an angel on earth. So sorry for the family to lose him. - Posted by: Karen. (student) on: May 24, 2014

  • Mr. Minish was a wonderful teacher, he taught at Edmund Partridge Junior High and was a huge help to me personally as a student who was having difficulties at the time. His presence in the hallways at "EP" was a calming and supportive one. I think back of him fondly, my condolences to his friends and family. - Posted by: Carole S (Student) on: May 24, 2014

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