Lynne McKibbin

H. Lynne McKibbin

July 8, 1942 – September 22, 2016

On Thursday, September 22, 2016, at Portage District Hospital, Heather Lynne McKibbin (nee Ashcroft) passed away at the age of 74, with her loving husband of over 50 years at her side.

She is survived by her husband Robert R. (Bob) McKibbin, her four children, Doug (Ron Giesbrecht) of Vancouver, BC, Don (Deb) of Brandon, MB, Laura Murray of Bloomington, Indiana, and Heather Smart (Ian) of Winnipeg, as well as her six grandchildren, Dylan Murray, Brett and Brendan McKibbin, and Kelsey, Duncan and Lindsay Smart.  She also leaves behind many extended family members and close family friends.  Lynne was predeceased by her parents Gordon and Ruby Ashcroft, and by her son-in-law Dennis Murray.

Lynne grew up in the city of Winnipeg, spoke fondly of her days at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate, and was very proud to have graduated from the Registered Nursing (RN) program through the Winnipeg General Hospital.  After working as a nurse in the early years, Lynne changed her focus and enjoyed staying active in the community with contributions such as: in Birtle, MB, Town Council Member and Director of a children’s production of “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat;” in Carman, MB, volunteer for Meals on Wheels, member of Kinettes, and long-time participant with the Sonatrice Singers; and, in Portage, MB, volunteer instructor of a Pain Management class for the Arthritis Society.  Music was a significant element of Lynne’s life.  She loved singing and was always part of a choir (or many at once)—proud to have encouraged her husband Bob to sing too.  In particular, they sang together in the Senior Choir at Carman United Church, then in Portage, with the Trinity Senior Choir, Rotary Cabaret, and special “Eklektik” choir.

She was a sharply witted lady with an affinity for trivia and crossword puzzles.  Lynne was also an adept knitter and seamstress, and could often be seen clad in her own creations.

Funeral service will be held at Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper St. S, in Portage la Prairie on Saturday, October 8 at 11:00AM with lunch to follow.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Lynne’s memory to Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper St. S. Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1W7 or to Canadian Cancer Care, 675 McDermot, Winnipeg, MB, R3E OV9.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com