Emily Gertrude (Neely) McKinstry – September 5, 1921 – February 10, 2012

Obituaries — 14 February 2012

In loving memory of Emily Gertrude McKinstry, age 90 who passed away Feb. 10 at the Dryden Regional Health Centre.

Born in Oxdrift Sept. 5, 1921, Mom was the last surviving sibling from her parents William and Lomilla Neely.

She was predeceased by her husband William James McKinstry Sept. 5, 1998, her parents William and Lomilla Neely, her caregivers grandparents Jane and Alfred Salton, and aunt Gladys and uncle Russell Pollard, infant twin brothers Elroy and Elmer, Clarence, Ernie (Annice), Edward and a sister Edna (William) Silver, brother-in-law Jack of Weyburn, Frank (Lucy) of Calgary and sister-in-law Gladys of Victoria BC, sister-in-law Margaret and (Stan) Symons of Edmonton and mother and father-in-law Hazel and Robert McKinstry of Saskatchewan.

She is survived by her children, son Jim (Luana); daughter Arlene (Ronald) Trist; grandchildren Bill (Randa), Russell (Marnie), Lee Ann (Scott) Hedge of Ottawa, Mac (Tanis) Trist, Dan (Kerry) Trist; 11 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Mary and Beulah Neely of BC; brother-in-law Dick McKinstry of Victoria, BC; sister-in-law Irma McKinstry of Weyburn, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gertrude was a very talented person and turned her hand to many tasks in her life and did them well.

She had the misfortune of the loss of her parents at a very young age. She and her young brother Edward (Ted) were so fortunate to live with grandparents Jane and Alfred Salton and aunt Gladys and uncle Russell Pollard in Oxdrift. This is when she acquired a very special sister Verna (Pollard) Rustan.

Mom played the organ in church. This is where she met William James McKinstry who had come to Oxdrift with Duffern Paving. The organ had to be pumped so our Dad volunteered to do the job. He loved to tease and would pump it too fast then laugh at Mom as she had a panic attack.

They were married Nov. 21, 1940 and while Dad was in the service Mom taught Sunday school and played the piano and filled in as organist in church when needed. She played in a band called the Tune Twisters and adorned the stage for many dances.

In 1947 Bill and Gertrude founded the business Standard Motors known as McKinstry’s today. She worked tirelessly beside our Dad and always was there to support. She loved to cook and entertain and put on many special meals. Mom taught piano and accordion to many people enjoying every minute. Mom loved to knit and sew, making many beautiful articles.

She was a member of the Go-Getters and loved to meet with her friends there. She had an extended family at Patricia Gardens and enjoyed the camaraderie she had there.

We all will miss her; she was an inspiration to us all.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 14th at 2:00 p.m. in First United Church with Reverend Scott Gale officiating. Interment followed in the Dryden Cemetery. Visitation was held Monday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the Moffat Chapel of Stevens Funeral Homes.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society through Stevens Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 412, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be emailed to sympathycard@shaw.ca subject: McKinstry

Related News

Ice Dogs’ Stratford sees win of 300th game

By Ally Dunham Local athlete, Jared Stratford made the game winning goal in the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) on Nov. 22 against the Sioux Lookout Flyers, helping the Dryden ...

Locked up: regional legal practitioners warn new crime bill will clog already stressed legal system

By Chris Marchand A group of Kenora lawyers say new crime legislation tabled by the Harper government will place additional stress on the northwest’s already overburdened legal system. Bill C-10, known as ...

Olive Irene Lundstrom

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother, Olive Irene Lundstrom, at her home in Princess Court with family by her side on ...

How ‘The Trout’ got its groove back

Without the bitterness, the sweet just ain't as sweet. Those unacquainted with the recent history of the Trout Forest Music Festival may have missed the significance of those meaningful glances passing ...

Mayor miffed over highway paving

Dryden Mayor Craig Nuttall says the province is shirking its responsibility to maintain the city of Dryden’s Trans-Canada highway corridor. Plans to begin resurfacing the Trans-Canada from Dinorwic end at ...

Thelma Freda (nee Lyle) Bitz

Bitz – In loving memory of Thelma Freda (nee Lyle) – April 27, 1933-December 15, 2006. If I could have a lifetime wish one dream that could come true, I would pray to ...

Anne Ambridge

AMBRIDGE – In loving memory of Anne – April 27, 1916 - May 25, 2002. We who loved you sadly miss you, As it dawns another year; In our lonely hours of thinking Thoughts ...

Report projects possible 10 per cent tax increase

By Ally Dunham Losses of revenue from the large industrial class tax base and DMTS (Dryden Municipal Telephone Service) have the city of Dryden projecting a tax increase of up to ...

Army cadets remember

The Dryden Army Cadets are celebrating the achievements of soldiers and military of the past and present by participating in the annual Legion Remembrance Day ceremonies. Beginning with a service at ...

ELLEN “Ellie” JANE BEST (nee Webster) – July 10, 1950 – July 2, 2009

Peacefully at her home, Ellie was lifted, gently, into the loving arms of Jesus on Thursday, July 2, 2009, stepping over into the next part of her eternal life. Ellie ...