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LINDOR MARION ROSE REYNOLDS (HEUVEL) Obituary pic

LINDOR MARION ROSE REYNOLDS (HEUVEL)

Date of Passing: Oct 17, 2014

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LINDOR MARION ROSE REYNOLDS (HEUVEL) Sadly, on October 17, 2014, Lindor Marion Rose (Heuvel) Reynolds, succumbed to brain cancer. She was predeceased by her father, Jack Heuvel, and brother John Scott Heuvel. She leaves behind her beloved husband Neil Dempsey and the extended Cristall family, mother Gloria and adored daughter Kate McPhaden (Alex), who was the light of her life. She also leaves behind cherished stepdaughters Haley, Emma and Jill Dempsey and is survived by her best friend, Cate Harrington and wife Karen Teese. Lindor grew up in West Kildonan, spending her entire childhood at 4 Teakwood Ave., the small bungalow her parents transformed into a home. She mythologized coming home to fresh bread, her mother's perogies, garden vegetables and home-cooked meals. When she left home, it was with the idea that cooking is love. Indeed, when she met her future stepdaughters, she told them that anytime they came home to the smell of diced garlic simmering in olive oil, the chef was in a good mood. She wanted to be a journalist from the time she realized real people could have this exciting life. She briefly considered the ministry but ultimately chose the right path. Lindor got her first article published in the Free Press when she was 17. She followed that up with a job in the composing room on the hopes that she'd "be discovered" (there might have been a bit of a 1950s box office musical thinking going on here). When that didn't happened, she got her B.A. at the University of Winnipeg, married and then attended Carleton University's Bachelor of Journalism program. The promised fame, fortune and job with the Globe and Mail did not follow, and she came back to Winnipeg and worked for the fledgling Winnipeg Sun. Following The Sun, Lindor briefly took a job with the Province of Manitoba before realizing she'd taken a serious wrong turn. She and first husband Randy Reynolds quit their jobs, sold their house, his business and all their possessions and moved to Montserrat, an island paradise in the British West Indies. It was an idyllic time, highlighted by Lindor's pregnancy with Kate. The future family came back to Canada for Kate's birth and moved to St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands when she was 10 months old. Kate took her first steps on an airplane to her mother's eternal pride. When they returned to Canada, it was time to rebuild. Lindor started actively freelancing. She wrote four books of non-fiction for a U.S. publisher, penned The Green Guide to Winnipeg, wrote and voiced documentary screenplays and built her newspaper and magazine portfolio. In 1994, the Winnipeg Free Press hired her as a columnist, a dream come true for the hometown girl. Lindor saw her column as an ongoing conversation with Manitobans. She wrote about her passions - protection for vulnerable children and women, the ongoing need to see other people's children as our own, justice, the need for protection for the mentally ill and the rights of the poor. She was impassioned, and she covered stories that would not otherwise have been told. She earned a bookcase filled with awards including three Michener nominations for Meritorious Public Service in Journalism, a 2013 National Newspaper Award and The Will Rogers Humanitarian Award, given for her philanthropy which included running the paper's Pennies From Heaven campaign for a decade and co-chairing Victoria General Hospital's Medicine and Miracles fundraising campaign. She discovered the life of a travel writer and saw the world, a childhood ambition. She visited Senegal, Kenya, Norway, China, Malaysia, Dubai and many other spots on the map. Travelling made her happy, and she bragged endlessly about her carryon-bag-packing abilities. She faced her course of radiation and chemo treatment with grace and dignity. She was a fighter, a survivor and braver than she'd admit. Her strong Christian faith helped her endure the early months following diagnosis. Lindor raised thousands of dollars for CancerCare Manitoba and Free The Children following her diagnosis. She gathered friends easily, people drawn to her kindness and sincere interest in them. When she was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013, an amazing group of women rallied to drive Lindor to her appointments, cook family meals and keep her company. The family thanks these wonderful angels. Lindor's life changed forever when she met her beloved Neil Dempsey, the kindest, gentlest, strongest man she'd ever know. There was compassion in his hazel eyes that seemed there just for her. He was her b'sheret and she, his. Their marriage was marked by tenderness and mutual respect. Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, on the corner of Donald and Graham, at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22. Burial will be at St. John's Cathedral Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the University of Winnipeg Foundation, Winnipeg Harvest or Agape Table. Maclean's Magazine called Lindor a "Winnipeg institution" after her brain cancer diagnosis. Winnipeg mourns a daughter today. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Dempsey/Reynolds household from Wednesday, October 22 to Tuesday, October 28, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 18, 2014

Condolences & Memories (27 entries)

  • Hi Kate I just wanted to send you my sympathies (You have been on my mind ever since I heard about your mom.) I know how hard it is to lose a parent. Just remember all those great memories you have shared throughout the years. Take Care Lori Kreutzer - Posted by: Lori Kreutzer () on: Nov 19, 2014

  • I first met Lindor when our her daughter Katie and my son Kevin Maloway were in daycare at Elmwood Day Nursery. Lindor and I were on the daycare parents' advisory and were always chatting about our kids and issues surrounding school yard safety. I admired Lindor's candour, sense of humour and her passion for her sweet, little daughter. I met Lindor again when our children were about 15. She still looked the same. Those intelligent blue eyes and penetrating gaze. I'm so sorry for yours and Winnipeg's loss. There is definitely a place in heaven for Lindor. - Posted by: Josephine Bergh (Old aquaintance) on: Nov 18, 2014

  • Winnipeg has lost a great woman.....a corageous woman.....a strong and loving woman....so very sad. I started missing her at work months ago, but today just tears. - Posted by: Barbara Mills (reader and devoted fan) on: Nov 07, 2014

  • I first met Lindor when she was working for The Sun and I had won a contest for a makeover (Mother of Eleven in Makeover Heaven). I had spent the day talking to her and we got along wonderfully. The next time I got to talk with this wonderful woman was when she wrote a story about Grannies in the Northend, Grannies Gone Global. I was honored to know that she remembered me from the makeover in the late 80's. She will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Patricia Lippai () on: Nov 06, 2014

  • Deepest sympathy to Kate and all your family on the passing of your Mom. I thoroughly enjoyed reading her articles in the Free Press. May she rest in peace. You take care, Kate. Sincerely, Josie Landry - Posted by: Josie Landry (Worked with Kate) on: Oct 25, 2014

  • I am so saddened at this Rights-Warrior's passing. Lindor was an excellent human being and her compassion for the injured and exploited children surpassed any that I know especially in the case of Phoenix Sinclair. It was through Lindor's writings that I became the first person to put flowers for Phoenix and I am proud to have done so!!I know that Lindor is able to wrap her arms around Phoenix and show her the love that little sweetheart never knew while she was on earth but now together they look down on us daily - Posted by: Lynda Miller (Reader) on: Oct 24, 2014

  • There are so many fruits growing along the path of life... But it is only the divine among them that never wither from the memory of the heart, growing even richer and sweeter year after year. Author Unknown - Posted by: Debby Kaniuga (Childhood Friend ) on: Oct 22, 2014

  • Always looked forward to reading Lindor's column in The Free Press. Such compassion & insight into real issues will be deeply missed. Her bright light has moved on to Heaven but the after effects of her life will remain here in her brilliant articles. My deepest sympathy to her family. - Posted by: Grace (Reader) on: Oct 22, 2014

  • We are deeply saddened by the loss of Lindor, whom we had the pleasure to enjoy and share happy memories with. Our hearts go out to the entire family - please accept our sincere sympathies. Sincerely, Allan and Evelyn Jacks - Posted by: Evelyn and Allan Jacks (Friends) on: Oct 22, 2014

  • My deepest sympathy to Lindor's family at this time. I regret we never kept in touch too much after high school. Sadly, we had just reconnected on facebook when she announced her diagnosis. Even though, I only saw her a few times over the years, I often thought fondly of my school memories and experiences with Dena (Yalowega) and Lindor. - Posted by: Cindy Winser (childhood friend) on: Oct 21, 2014

  • We are all sorry for your loss. Lindor was part of the Teakwood clan and childhood memories are still present. May you all know that she touched so many lives. To the Heuval family we are sending our condolences, The Monks. - Posted by: Lisa Monk Brooks (Neighbor) on: Oct 21, 2014

  • Lindor was, is, and always will be a true winnipeg gift. Her columns were a true inspiration for many and will be sadly missed. Her zest for life was always present and her true gift of sharing with so many will live on through the many charities she supported. It's not good bye it's till we meet again so remember to spread your wings and best of luck in all new things. Sincerely Joelle Wilcox - Posted by: Joelle Wilcox (paper subcsriber) on: Oct 21, 2014

  • Lindor interviewed me for a column many years ago and I was surprised to find her so curious, knowledgeable and real. I think I've read every column of hers and have never come across a columnist who could so accurately reflect the readership's views, who could so eloquently speak for the minority, who could sum up the collective experience, and who could leave you pondering her points all through the day. That was her job, and she did it exceptionally well. You'll be so terribly missed! - Posted by: Joanne Brown (fan) on: Oct 20, 2014

  • Such a sad day to hear the loss of a lovely gifted woman. I looked forward to Lindor's stories. Rest in peace - Posted by: Darlene (fan) on: Oct 20, 2014

  • Rich - so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: L & C (friends) on: Oct 20, 2014

  • Lindor interviewed my son and I way back in about 2002. We were enthusiastic to promote the cause of marginalized Manitobans attempting to survive in a flawed government system. My son is one of those gifted and loving souls. Lindor was crushed when she was obliged to inform us that her lengthy report and interview with both my son and myself (as his main care provider) was not accepted for publication. It had been turned down. The reason was - our story of survival was "too political" for the times. Nothing has changed in Manitoba. But, Lindor left us her courage! That's our hope and her legacy. Heaven welcomed a dedicated angel. Our prayers go out to her beautiful family. Thank you Lindor. Heidi and Alexander. Truth will never die! - Posted by: Heidi Loewen, Winnipeg author - and Alexander Willms her special son. (Fans!) on: Oct 19, 2014

  • On behalf of your cousins Ann and Janet, and my wife Pauline and family, I wish to offer our sincere condolences to you, Neil, on the passing of your wife Lindor. There is no doubt she was an exceptional woman and you must cherish the years you had with her. - Posted by: Hugh Dempsey () on: Oct 19, 2014

  • Her column was the type you would look for as soon as your got your paper along with Gordon Sinclair's. She had a flair and yet a simplicity for her writing that allowed one and all to read the column and feel as if YOU WERE there. A TRULY GREAT MIND HAS BEEN LOST AND WINNIPEG HAS DEFINITELY LOST ONE OF THEIR MORE TALENTED CHILDREN. Lindor, may you now R.I.P. knowing you are truly a good servant of God who will welcome you with open arms. The Free Press will not be the same without you and your family has to over-come a great loss. Take care sweet lady. It is definitely a sad day in Winnipeg knowing somebody is no longer here that we looked to for a good story about far off places and people that we would never meet but that you made us feel as if we were there with you. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.. Free Press readers Randy and Dianne Spry. XO - Posted by: Randy and Dianne Spry (No relation - just fans of her wonderful writing and articles, although she made you feel like famil) on: Oct 19, 2014

  • When I was working in Winnipeg I became a fast fan of Lindor's column. I loved when I read her column it sounded like she was speaking directly to me, it is because of her writing that I also pursued a writing career. I am going to miss her columns, she was a writer's writer. Rest in Peace my girl. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. - Posted by: Evie Thordarson (fan of her writing ) on: Oct 19, 2014

  • Sad to hear the loss of such a wonderful woman. Only met her on one occasion, she interviewed myself and my co workers at a very difficult time for us. Our mill was in the process of being shut down and we shared plenty of tears, like we had known each other for many years. Thank you Lindor for listening and God bless. - Posted by: Norm Vezina (friend) on: Oct 18, 2014

  • I, and on behalf of Jeremiah & Jesse, we send our deepest sympathies & condolences to family on the passing of our dear friend Lindor. Lindor & I had our special moments together, that all of these years forward all have been very fond memories. I received a phone call from Lindor one day to meet her for lunch. Her inquisitive nature about motherhood led to her losing all fear because it was clear she had made her decision by the end of our meeting, that soon thereafter she called to rejoice she was going to be a Mother. I was so thrilled to receive pictures she sent celebrating her absolute pride & joy, baby Katie in her first steps on the beach in St. Croix. Somewhere in time we established By Invitation Only parties, which included the Annual RED PARTY held mid February to celebrate Valentine's Day, where the very last party was by Limousine Service, a dinner spent at the Marlborough Hotel. We spent quiet candle lit dinners at our kitchen table in St. Pierre-Jolys discussing the 101 ways to change the world so as for our children could live in a happy & secure place. The intimate setting of the Wedding Social at someone's garage that housed the Jacuzzi, clad in bathing suits we sat sipping on our favorite Rum on the pretend beach under the colorful umbrellas, followed by a spectacular Hollywood evening on the eve of her first marriage; dancing Fred Astaire on the tiers on the Winnipeg Art Gallery roof top under the stars and full lit moon. Lindor's quirk for spontaneity, laughter and adventure were always true to her heart. Ultimately she was defined by her beauty & grace. - Posted by: Linda Radvan, & sons Jeremiah & Jesse Timmins (Long lost friend) on: Oct 18, 2014

  • Such a sad day, Condolences to Lindor's family & friends. I did not know Lindor personally although like many of her devout readers, felt as though I did. She has been a welcomed read and breath of fresh air in her gift of journalism in the many thought provoking articles she provided us over the years. Strength and prayers have been sent her way the past year with hopes that she would champion through. Thank you for sharing your incredible gift, may you be at peace. The Free Press will never be the same without you. - Posted by: Liz Cale () on: Oct 18, 2014

  • Good-bye dear friend. Lindy was my oldest friend. We grew up together on Teakwood Ave.; attended H.C. Avery elementary school, Jefferson Jr. High School and Garden City Collegiate together. Her parents were my parents; my parents were her parents. She came out to visit when I lived in Providence, Rhode Island and of course, we always got together at Christmas when I came home to Winnipeg. So many memories. I'm grateful for talking to her earlier this year and following her blog. She was a rare talent. I am grateful for growing up with her and the years we had together. - Posted by: Dena (Yalowega) Woycheshin (friend) on: Oct 18, 2014

  • I had the great pleasure of meeting Lindor when my daughter Megan attended kindergarten at Glen Elm School. She was a remarkable person and our heartfelt thoughts go out to her family. - Posted by: Colleen (Schultz) Jeffery (Friend) on: Oct 18, 2014

  • We are saddened by the loss of such a great humanitarian. Obviously God used her in many ways to take care of his children that could not take care of themselves. We have read many of Lindor's columns throughout the years and they have served to bring awareness, and peace into our lives. Condolences to Lindor's family, and close friends. Know that she is with Jesus and probably tending to the children in heaven - Posted by: Cyndi and ken Slapinski (Loyal readers) on: Oct 18, 2014

  • My deepest condolences to Lindor's family and friends. What a loss for the City of Winnipeg and her legion of followers. I have missed her columns these past months and know that she will be missed by so many people - those of us who never got to meet her, but never missed a column. She spoke of many injustices especially those dealing with children and made us all aware of what needed to be done to help those less fortunate. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Cathy Friesen (fan) on: Oct 18, 2014

  • I am heart broken at our loss of this most remarkable woman, firstly for her beloved husband and her daughters and also for her legion of fans, many like myself who came to know her as friend. I first met Lindor through the "Pennies" campaign after my classroom became involved. Over the years she made several visits to David Livingstone School helping the children decorate gingerbread houses for raffles, prepare Thanksgiving dinner for our families, listening to reading, inspiring their writing, all while making each of my students feel valued, loved and deserving of everything life has to offer. Lindor's column was the first thing I looked for when my paper arrived. I always said Lindor was the heart, soul and conscience of the Winnipeg Free Press. How deeply she will be missed. - Posted by: Deb Thordarson (Fan, follower, friend) on: Oct 18, 2014

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