Maisie (Martha) Minchin
March 1935 - January 2024
Maisie (Martha) Minchin passed away January 10, 2024. She is survived by her husband, Bruce Minchin, daughter, Heather (Gary) Hannam and their children; Daniel Hannam, Lisa (CJ) Jackson and Rebecca Campbell and her 3 children, Kaitlyn, Derek and Jordan. She is also survived by a large extended family.
She was predeceased by her son, Robert Minchin in 2012 as well as her siblings and their spouses, Doris (Charlie) Farrand and Alex (Edith) Wilkes.
Mom was born on a farm in Saskatchewan in March 1935, during winter in the “dirty 30’s”. As in infant, she suffered from Rickets, a disease that almost took her life and contributed, in part, to her “vertically challenged” stature. We think a direct result of her below average height was her gritty determination and her “don’t tell me what I can’t do!” approach to everything she did. One of her favourite Mother’s Day gifts was a chainsaw.
Mom and dad had busy, active lives during their 70+ years of marriage. They met in Lillooet, BC and were married at the site of the Big Slide, on August 15, 1953. Mom was the ‘voice’ of the family while dad was the quiet one who took care of things in the background. We always enjoyed reminding her of a comment a long-term farrier made to her many years ago, “opposites attract and Bruce is a helluva nice guy!” To which mom responded with some fist shaking and laughter.
Over her 88 years, mom participated in many activities. Among them being an honorary member of the Order of Eastern Star; having enjoyed active membership spanning more than 50 years.
She organized a team that included ponies, to participate in World Champion Snow Golf back in the 1970’s in Prince George.
Along with longtime friend, Sandy Ebert, she was instrumental in establishing the Dusty Trail Riders horse club in 1975; eventually securing a land lease on Blackwater Road for their activities. As well as active participation in the gymkhanas, overnight campouts, drill team, parades, and horse shows with the DTR, she did 50 Mile Endurance races on horseback for a few years along with her good friends, Norma Dillman and Lillian Peters.
In addition, she volunteered for Beaverly Fire& Rescue for a number of years. She led a peaceful protest at the Annual BC Fire Fighters Bonspiel in 1989 to allow female firefighters to participate. Mom was an avid curler and coach for many years.
Regular parties, dances and shenanigans were life at Minchin’s house on Blackwater Road; where they also raised cattle for many years. The Minchin home was a place for neighbours from miles around to drop in for a meal, coffee, sometimes a cold beer or a glass of Scotch. New Year’s Eve parties and the Boxing Day open house were well attended for years. Late parties were wrapped up by mom in the kitchen making ‘hole in the heads’ for everyone still there.
In later years, mom and dad became very active members at the Elder Citizens Recreation Association located on 10th Avenue. They were passionate regulars helping in the kitchen on grocery day, fully participating in the drama club and they organized floor curling for other seniors to enjoy. Sadly, an unpleasant event brought this to an abrupt end and mom retreated from her active life style permanently.
Mom and dad were/are wonderful parents who provided Rob and Heather with a childhood that only a small percentage of children are fortunate enough to enjoy; love, laughter, security, and of course, the icing, horses, and so much more.
Mighty, fierce, generous, kind, bold, supportive, adventurous, loving, with a great sense of humour – this was Maisie. She will be missed but not forgotten!
Maisie suffered a major stroke on January 7 and passed away peacefully three days later in Gateway Lodge. The staff at Gateway Lodge Complex Care were outstanding in their compassion and care of mom in her final days. Thank you.