Obituary of Linda Spenst

SPENST - Linda Louise Spenst passed away at the Riverside Health Complex, Turtleford, Saskatchewan on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at the age of 62 years. Linda leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Jerry; her sister, Marilyn Bleakney; sister-in-law Shirley Spenst; sister-in-law Gwen (Gordon) McKee; brother-in-law Bill (Kathie) Spenst; several nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Dallas and Margaret Maess; brother-in-law, Delon Bleakney and her parents-in-law, Dorothy and Henry Spenst. Linda was born October 21, 1952, youngest daughter of Margaret and Dallas Maess. She was raised along with her older sister, Marilyn on their farm east of Turtleford. Linda went to school in Turtleford and after graduating from Grade 12, she attended Saskatoon Business College where she obtained her Medical Secretary Certificate. She then worked in that field in Edmonton, first at the Charles Camsell Hospital and then for Dr. Sproule at the University Hospital. Linda married Gerald Spenst on November 8, 1974. They lived in Spruce Lake for a few years and then moved to Turtleford. Linda worked at many different jobs over the years, at the CIBC, the RM of Mervin, the Turtleford RCMP detachment, land permitting and most recently at Oil'n'Ag and the Provincial Courthouse in Lloydminster. Linda enjoyed reading, playing cards, canoeing, hiking, curling, skiing and travelling. The memorial service for Linda was conducted from Turtle Lake Mission, Turtle Lake, Saskatchewan on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Dan Gies officiating. Randy McKee gave the eulogy. The hymns sung were, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," "Amazing Grace" and "I'll Fly Away" accompanied by organist, Judy Gies. Donations in memory of Linda may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to a Charity of the Donor's Choice. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd. of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. CARD OF THANKS The family would like to thank the First Responders, St. Walburg Ambulance Attendants, Dr. Langeni and the Staff at Riverside Health Complex. Our family would also extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who called, visited, brought food to the house, brought flowers and made donations to charity in Linda's memory. A special thank you to Dan and Judy Gies and Randy McKee for making Linda's memorial service special. Thank you also to Dave McCaw and his staff for their care and compassion. TRIBUTE by Marilyn Bleakney: I don't remember life without Linda. Being three years older, I was always the big sister. And according to her always bossing her around. I think I was born a teacher and from my first day at school, Linda was my ready made student. We played school a lot (all the time) according to her. I tried to tell her that it was because of me that she was only in school 11 years instead of 12. We grew up on the farm and had all kinds of freedom and adventures. We spent lots of time playing with the neighbor kids - the Marshalls, Hansons, Edwards, and Starnes. Our dad farmed with his dad, so we spent lots of time at our grandparents and with our cousins Carole and Bryan. Linda was a people person. She made friends easily and she made many lifelong friends. She loved a good laugh and we've had many. Family was important to her. She enjoyed having relatives come to visit. Linda has always been close to my girls and to their children. She treated them like her own. Linda loved life. She wanted to experience as much as she could. She got to see many different things on her travels. She did many different things - white water rafting, zip-lining, kayaking, down hill skiing -- she was always game for an adventure! We never travelled to relax and rest - it was to see and do as much as we could. We could rest when we got home! She was always the organizer and trip planner for all of our trips. The rest of us just followed along. She and I travelled to Europe in the fall of 2013. One special moment was when we stood on Juno Beach together and thought about what our Dad, at the age of 21 had experienced during the 2nd World War. Linda and I shared a special bond, not just sisters, but best friends who were always there for each other. And Shirley has expressed to me how Linda was also there for her during the tough times. My cousin's wife, Julie, said this about Linda: "There are people that you meet in your life, to whom you are instantly drawn, who light up the room, and fill your life with laughter and fun." I know my sister was one of those people. I am grateful for the 62 years we had to share, that we lived close enough to see each other every day if we wanted; that we got along reasonably well; and that we did lots of fun things together. I would have liked more time, but God had other plans for her. I know that she is with Mom, Dad, Delon and all those who have gone before and that one day we will meet again. I, like all of you, will carry many good memories in our hearts. EULOGY by Randy McKee: Good afternoon. My name is Randy McKee. Linda was my Auntie Linda. She was an adventurer and competitor. She was funny, smart, caring and fearless. She was a woman on the go. When not in action she was preparing and planning what was to come or meticulously documenting her most recent adventure. There were many and always a next. She worked hard, often two jobs, CIBC, RM Office, RCMP, Oil'n'Ag and the Provincial Courthouse. They were all lucky to have her, a sharp and dedicated worker. A couple of years ago, Uncle Jerry asked her if she wanted to go south for the winter, and she said no. She didn't want to be away from her nieces and nephews. She loved them and took great interest in what they were doing. But there may have been more to it. She loved winter and made the most of it. It used to be curling and skidooing all over the country with Jerry and my mom and dad, Dale and Ali, Grandma Dorothy and Auntie Shirley. The curling and skidooing eventually gave way to cross country and downhill skiing trips with Marilyn and who ever else thought they might keep up. Summers were the same, only warmer. Whether it was cruising the Mediterranean or the Nile, or paddling on the North Saskatchewan. She hiked the Swiss Alps and the Milford Track, which is a not so relaxing 55 km. stroll through the mountains and jungles of New Zealand. But not before thoroughly test driving several pairs of hiking boots stomping through the pastures and stubble between Marilyn's house and home. She always came home. She went away after high school, when she was 16 to attend business college in Saskatoon. And her job hunt took her to Edmonton. It was while she was living in Edmonton, in the fall of 1974, that she and Jerry were married. They came home together, first to Spruce Lake, into Min Parsey's old house and then to their house in Turtleford in 1980. He had married the love of his life, smart, funny and beautiful. She was a lady. She was also just what he needed "a filter," "Jerry, don't say that! Be nice!" and in his own words, "the perfect wife." The Lord had loaned him an angel.