Constance (Connie) Lorraine Mintram, beloved wife of Roy Mintram and daughter of Bill and Mary Gibson passed away at St. Anthony's Hospital in Esterhazy on November 27, 2013, following a lengthy battle with cancer. Connie was born in Duncan, B.C. on August 9, 1945 and completed most of her schooling in Duncan, later moving to Victoria, B.C. to further her education. She worked for the B.C. government as a secretary at the head office of the B.C. Ferries. While living at the Y.W.C.A. she met a cute young sailor boy named Roy Mintram. Love blossomed and progressed to where they were married in Duncan in a 100 year old church that even had the bats in the belfry. They travelled by train back to Churchbridge in February of 1966. When they arrived at Yarbo they were greeted by family carrying extra blankets and jackets as they had arrived in a terrific snow storm. As a new bride, coming from the city, it was a shock to the system to arrive in Churchbridge to a house with a hand pump at the kitchen sink and an outhouse. Connie managed in this new way of living and maintained a good sense of humour, knowing that times would improve. Roy changed jobs quite often so they moved from Churchbridge to Lipton and back to Duncan for quite a few years. Then an opportunity came that enabled them to own their own business. They returned to Yorkton not only as partners in marriage but also partners in business and opened Windsor Plywood. Connie learned the business from scratch, learning the difference between sheeting plywood and cabinet material and could be seen carrying many a sheet of plywood and loading trucks. After a time they built a house in Churchbridge, moving back there and opening up a variety store. Connie came to love the prairies, especially Saskatchewan and never thought to leave her home here. When Connie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, she and Roy sold their variety store and had many years to enjoy gardening, fishing, spending time with their children and grandchildren. She loved to read about the history in the local area and was adopted by its people as an "original Churchbridgeite", as she called it. In August of 2009 Connie heard she had bone cancer as well and took the news in stride saying, "as long as they keep me out of pain I will enjoy life to the fullest", and that is just what she did. She even enjoyed the 2013 Grey Cup, cheering the Saskatchewan Roughriders to victory. Connie was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Mary Gibson; father-in-law, Valdi Mintram; step father-in-law, Claude Heinrich; mother-in-law, Clara Heinrich; son-in-law, Larry Reetz; brothers-in-law, Calvin and Wayne Mintram, and Joe Sahulka. She leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life, her loving husband, Roy; son, Tony (Stacey), daughter, Sandra (Gene); grandchildren, Tim, Jessica, Kevin (Kaylee), Mark, Shane, Justin and great grandchildren, Dwayne and Kirsten; brother, Steve (Marlene); brother-in-law, Howard (Pat); sister-in-law, Dorothy (Arni) as well as many nieces and nephews and friends. In accordance with Connie's wishes no service will take place at this time. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
