This is a photo of Shelagh and Bob Wharton on the verandah of the Hinch cottage at Laclu, just northwest of Kenora, Ontario, about a two-hour drive from Winnipeg.  Bob's grandfather, Robert Wharton, had built a cottage on Laclu in 1921 and Bob spent most of a lifetime of summers there. The Hinches and their three children vacationed in the Wharton cottage for a number of years before purchasing the cottage next door. Laclu was their shared happy place. The two of them look pretty content, happy to be there and in one another's company. Perhaps some of their kids and grandkids are also down enjoying the summer sun and water.  A good life.

Shelagh and Bob (living in Winnipeg) and Shirley and Bob (living in Calgary) would get together to cross-country ski in the Rockies. None of them looked particularly recognizable in their puffy ski wear and toques so we skipped the many pictures of them out in the snowy woods. They seemed happy enough though somewhat out of breath. There were quite a few pictures of them sharing restaurant meals together. Shelagh looks pretty content and pulled together in this one. Nice jacket, Shelagh.

I first came to know Shelagh and Bob Hinch during summers at Laclu when I stayed at the cottage of their neighbours, Bob and Shirley Wharton, first as the girlfriend of their oldest son Don, then as their daughter-in-law. Over the years I came to appreciate that the Whartons and the Hinches had a long history of friendship. Bob Wharton and Bob Hinch were high school buddies in Winnipeg. Here
 they are hanging out with Shelagh.

I first came to know Shelagh and Bob Hinch during summers at Laclu where their cottage neighboured the cottage of my parents-in-law Bob and Shirley Wharton. The Whartons and the Hinches had a long history of friendship starting in Winnipeg when Bob Hinch and Bob Wharton met in Grade 10. With Shelagh's passing, my father-in-law Bob Wharton, now 95, is, as he would put it, "the last man standing." My husband Don and I are sharing four photos that show Shelagh happy in the embrace of this friendship. This is a photo of the two couples before they were married, attending University of Manitoba Colour Night in 1949. Shelagh Thomas and Bob Hinch are on the left, Shirley Boyd and Bob Wharton on the right. They look impossibly elegant for their age. It must have been a fun night – they look very happy. Just look at Shelagh’s 1000-megawatt smile. 

Special memories come to mind at seeing that dear Shelagh has passed. She was intelligent, a great person and a sweet fun loving roommate at Deer Lodge hospital. 
Power & Politics always reminds me of Shelagh!  She wouldn’t miss an episode!  I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to Barb, Tom, Diane and your families. 
Sincerely Helga Cychmistruk 


She made my stay so pleasurable. 
My sincere sympathy to Barb, Tom,
Diane and your family. 


So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother.  You will miss her dearly.  Take care.  Susan Ross


Shelagh was one of the people who resided at Golden Links Lodge that all recreation staff wanted in their programs. Her positive attitude, whit, and charm was infectious.
Shelagh was always up for a challenge and rarely missed activities requiring her to test her limits.
A perfect example was when she joined me on the dance floor during our popular Danceland program. She would admit later that she was a little apprehensive leaving her wheelchair behind. She reminisced and we both had fun.

Sorry for your loss. 
Colin McRae
Recreation Facilitator (retired)

To Barb, Tom, Diane and your family, Shelagh and I were best friends growing up, through school and onto university. We (Charlie and I) had some great times with Shelagh and Bob over the years and have fond memories of cross country ski trips and  the odd fall too. Our heartfelt condolences to you all. Sending you love Charles and Kathleen McLeod 

OBITUARY

Shelagh Anne Hinch

August 1, 1929 – November 27, 2022

Thomson In The Park Funeral Home and Cemetery

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