NORMAN (BENJAMIN) GRINKE

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NORMAN (BENJAMIN) GRINKE Norman Grinke of Toledo passed away peacefully on November 17th, 2004 at The Toledo Hospital. He was a native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Norman was retired from Art Iron Inc. where he was employed for 25 years, beginning as a resident salesman in Troy, Ohio. He was promoted to Aluminum Product Manager and then Branch Manager of the Toledo Metal Service Center. Previous to representing Art Iron, Norman was a professional hockey player for 14 years. He was recruited to the United States from Flin Flon, MB and played for Hershey, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toledo and Johnstown and was player-coach for Grand Rapids of the International Hockey League. An automobile accident in Petoskey, Michigan in 1955 ended his playing career. After retiring from playing, he officiated another 14 years in the International Hockey League. During his playing days in Toledo he was an all-star defenseman for the Toledo Buckeyes and the Toledo Mercurys and a member of several Turner Cup Championship teams. He was also instrumental in helping to organize the Toledo Sports Arena Youth Hockey Program. Norman was a charter member and past president of the Bowling Green Curling Club. He was a member of the Zenobia Shrine and the Harbor Light Lodge in addition to the Temple Guards. He was also a long time member of Heather Downs Country Club and Epiphany Lutheran Church. He was predeceased by Ruby, his wife of 43 years. He is survived by his wife Gladys and two daughters, Joyann Turski (Gary) and Lynda Cadden (Pete) both of Maumee, step daughters, Sue Kowal (Don) of Vancouver, Canada and Lin Kepron of Toronto. "Papa" has seven grandchildren, Kristan Mantenieks (Mark), Brad Turski, (Jill), Andrew Turski, Casey and Marnie Cadden, Jaime and Ainsley Kowal and three great-grandchildren. His sister Joyce Blanchette (John) resides in Winnipeg, MB Visitation will take place Sunday, November 21 from 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. with a service taking place at 7:00 p.m. A private graveside service and internment will be held at Toledo Memorial Park. The family suggests that donations be made to, Shriners Hospital fund for children care of Zenobia Shrine or the Epiphany Lutheran Church. The family wishes to thank the caring and supportive staff of the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at the Toledo Hospital. The family appreciates the prayers and expressions of love and support from friends and neighbours. Please view and sign the on-line visitors register at www.CoyleFuneralHome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 20, 2004