Goldie Ellen (Bjur) Shinnimin

Goldie Ellen Bjur was born on October 23, 1931, in a log cabin on her family’s homestead near Bapaume, Saskatchewan. Goldie was named for her beautiful golden hair. As a young girl, she grew up on the homestead, and then as a young woman, she enlisted in the Air Force as a Leading Airwoman, and trained in aircraft recognition. She spent some time in St. Denis, Quebec while training. She met her first husband, Robert Patrick Gorman while in the military, and they were blessed with three beautiful children, Robert Dale Gorman (Lorie), James Michael Gorman (Ruth) and Sunny Susan Dobson. The family lived in many different places in Canada, France, and Italy, and she loved to travel and see the world. Perhaps this love of travel prompted her to become a tour guide which allowed her to travel throughout North America.

Goldie also studied secretarial work while they were posted in Greenwood, Nova Scotia and was an honor student. Her love of English made her a formidable opponent while playing Scrabble; the kids gave her the nickname “Grambo” because she kept winning all the time. She loved playing many games in addition to Scrabble but especially cards and cribbage.

Goldie was a wonderful homemaker who loved to sew, read crime and mystery novels, and some of her favorite things were lemon bread, butter tarts, licorice allsorts, and flaky squares. She also made the best fudge and spice cake which she loved to make for the kids whenever we asked. She really enjoyed watching Downton Abby. She loved butterflies. She loved her Red Rose Tea and had many great conversations settling world affairs over a nice hot cup of tea, with toast. She was a great listener and was always so supportive of her children and grandchildren in their endeavours. She was “The Queen of the Clan” and cared deeply about the well- being of the family.

Many years after the passing of her first husband, Goldie married her childhood sweetheart, Harold Shinnimin. Their love affair started when they were young children of 6 or 7, and even though they led separate lives for a time they always had a deep love for each other. After their wedding Harold and Goldie lived in Penticton for a time but moved back to Saskatoon as Goldie was missing the prairies. Goldie always cherished the beautiful yellow roses Harold loved to buy for her. Her family grew after marrying Harold and she gained two wonderful children Colleen Sailor (Craig) and Grant Shinnimin.

After over 20 years together Harold passed on Remembrance Day, 2021. Since that time Goldie continued to be a resident at Sherbrooke Care Home until her passing.

Goldie leaves to cherish her memory her children, Robert Gorman (Lorie), Jim Gorman (Ruth) and Sunny Susan Dobson, her grandchildren James Gorman (Jacqui), Christine Gorman (Keith), Steavon Taylor, Casja Taylor, Gabriel Paquin, Lindsay Sailor (Troy), and great-grandchild Jensen. Goldie was predeceased by her mother, Ellen Glenburn Smalley, her father, Harry Bjur, her brother Glen, and is survived by her sisters, Audrey Schindel (Percy) and Doreen Dixon, along with many other extended family members.

Goldie’s wish is for the Clan to love and care for each other. We were all blessed to have such a wonderful woman in our lives and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A private Celebration of Life Tea Party will be held for family and close friends on May 7, 2022.