Shirley Kathleen Dickinson

April 9, 1926 – November 24, 2011

It is with regret that Shirley’s family announces her death on November 24th, 2011 after a tussle with cancer

She was born in Birtle, Manitoba and raised on the family farm at Solsgirth, the third child born to Fred and Chris Dickinson. She is survived by her sister Margaret Rivest of Winnipeg and her nephew Don Rivest and wife Nancy of Rainy River, Ontario, their three children Kyle, Erin and Dena and new husband Dustin Taraschuk, many close relatives and friends in Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, England and South Africa. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Sgt./Pilot Harry Dickinson and her niece Janet Domirti.

Shirley attended school in Winnipeg and graduated from Kelvin High and Success Business College and worked for the Winnipeg Tribune and Deer Lodge Hospital from 1945 to 1960, then moved to London, England where she worked for British Petroleum for three years. When she returned to Winnipeg in 1963, she worked for CKY Radio, then joined the staff of Manitoba Hydro. She retired after 24 years with this corporation and went on to enjoy 21 great retirement years.

She was an active and longtime member of International Training in Communication (ITC), Canadian Author’s Association, the Manitoba Writers’ Guild, The Costume Museum of Canada, the Manitoba Museum and the Manitoba Historical Society. When she was not writing her “novel”, she attended performances of the symphony, live theatre and writing sessions with the Writers’ Collective. She thoroughly enjoyed writing, teaching public speaking, entering and judging writing and speaking contests. She also spent three years as a volunteer writer for Lions Housing. In recognition of her work for ITC, she was presented with the Annette Kosowski Award.

Shirley and family would like to thank the staff at Lindenwood Manor for their care and concern, especially the Resident Care workers. She considered Lindenwood Manor to be a “heavenly spot” and cherished the many friendships she made while living among all these good folk. The family would also like to express appreciation to the staff of St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care.

What’s the use of worrying, it never was worthwhile, so pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile.

Cremation will take place and burial service will follow near Solsgirth. A memorial service will be held at Lindenwood Manor on December 3rd, Heritage Entrance, 475 Lindenwood Dr. E., at 2:00 to 4:00 PM.