EARL MELVIN LINS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

EARL MELVIN LINS It is with great sadness that we announce the all too sudden passing of our husband, father, and grandfather Earl Melvin Lins at the age of 79 years. Earl was born in Biggar, SK in 1923 and then as a young man moved to British Columbia where he met and fell in love with his beautiful wife. He is survived by his loving wife Irene; son Gordon (Laurel), daughter Joni (Jim), son Scott (Dawn), grandchildren, Ryan, Jeff (Lisa), Stephen, Garett, and adopted grandchildren, Sweatpea, Saber, Jake, and Nikki. Earl was a man of many accomplishments. A survivor of the Great Depression, he volunteered to serve for his country in overseas duty in the Second World War. After that he embarked on a career in the Canadian Armed Forces as a member of R.C.E.M.E. corps and, with his family, travelled the world over in peacekeeping missions while making many friends and sharing in wonderful memories. In 1971 he retired from military service and worked as the Manager for Cannex and then as the General Manager of Fort Osborne Curling Club where once again he made many friends and experienced wonderful times. He retired from the curling club in 1989. Never one to slow down, Earl served for many terms as a director for Astra Credit Union and volunteered several years of his life to the building of Beauchemin Place, a non-profit retirement complex. Earl was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion Charleswood Branch No. 100 where he served as president for many years. He started many programs including the very popular Remembrance Day Service now held at Oak Park High School. Throughout his life Earl held a great passion for sports. He loved to watch hockey and was an accomplished curler. His passion for sport has filtered down to his children and grandchildren. We will always cherish the memories of our many family gatherings where we would sit for dinner and talk right up until one minute before game time. Then we would all get up and run to the television to get our seats. We would sit there and critique each shot, pass or call. We were never wrong, were we Dad. We will always have a seat reserved for you. It will be the simple things that we miss most of all. Whether it was laughing at the dogs or wearing silly hats and smoking cheap cigars, we had great times together. You left with dignity, grace, and, contentment just as the man you were. Dad, the time has come to say so long, You taught us how to be brave and strong. I hope throughout our lifetime we were able to repay, The love and warmth you gave us each day. You did everything right that a husband, father, and grandfather could do, Never shall a day go by where we will not think of you. You will be forever loved. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Earls memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. in the basement of the Royal Canadian Legion Charleswood Branch No. 100, 6003 Roblin Blvd.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 16, 2003