Harold William Shinnimin Obituary
William Harold Shinnimin was born on February 18, 1930 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to William Wellington Shinnimin and Anne Shinnimin (Gatzke). He spent his childhood in Belbutte, Saskatchewan, and with his family moved to Ideal, Manitoba where the family homesteaded until later moving to Winnipeg. Harold enlisted in the Army on August 18, 1950 where he served in the Korean War until he was severely wounded, spending time in a MASH unit and hospitals in Japan, Vancouver and, finally being moved to Deer Lodge Hospital in Winnipeg, relearning to walk and talk.
Harold was honourably released from the Canadian Army Special Force on May 30, 1952. He married Marion Beatrice Lorraine Shinnimin (Reichert) on June 12, 1954 and was blessed with two beautiful children, Grant Harold Shinnimin and Colleen Marion Sailor (Shinnimin). Harold worked in Winnipeg for the Commissionaires as a Park Police at Assiniboine Park, Foreman at St. Vital Park and lastly, as a Foreman for Parks and Recreation.
After Marion passed away in 1997, Harold reunited with his childhood sweetheart and married Goldie on July 3, 1997 and their families became one. They spent a few years in the Penticton area where Harold joined a Country Western Band; they played at different venues and then moved to Saskatoon. Harold absolutely loved music, which was evident while playing his guitar and harmonica for family and friends.
At the age of 80 he recorded his own CD. He also loved his horses, Scarlett Ribbon (Ribby) and Bee Sting Buzz (Buzz) and had the pleasure of showing them both in horse shows. In 2015, Harold was honoured when he was proclaimed as an "Ambassador for Peace" by the Republic of Korea Patriots & Veterans Affairs and Korean Veterans Association.
In June of 2017, while living at their home in Saskatoon, Harold had a severe fall which led him to become a resident at Veterans Village in Sherbrooke Care Home. He made many friends there and took part in recreational outings and music activities. Most recently, Goldie moved in with him and they were able to spend the last month of his life together.
Harold will be remembered for his kindness and goodness. He was a great Dad, a mentor, and a loving husband. He was a strong shoulder to lean on.
He is survived by his wife, Goldie Shinnimin, his children, and stepchildren Colleen Sailor (Craig), Grant Shinnimin, Sunny Dobson, Jim & Ruth Gorman, Bob & Lorie Gorman and his siblings Marjorie Harrison, Norman Shinnimin, Eva Michaud, Violet Shinnimin and Diane Gaboury, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Harold was loved by all who knew him. INTEGRITY, HONOUR, VALOUR.
Those are words that Harold lived by. Harold will be interred at Winnipeg, Manitoba. Arrangements are in care of Aimé Laventure – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200
