Norine Sinclair

Norine Sheila Sinclair, born on December 27, 1940, in Kississing, Manitoba, to William and Linda Hatch, passed away peacefully in The Pas, Manitoba, on March 15, 2025, at the age of 84.

Norine’s childhood was spent in Cold Lake, Manitoba, located on the shores of Kississing Lake.  Norine often spoke of the booming mining town of her youth, and her father providing for their family as a commercial fisherman and a trapper.  She ventured out of the community at a young age, living in Winnipeg for a short time before returning to Northern Manitoba.

Norine married James ‘Jim’ William Sinclair in The Pas, Manitoba, in December of 1958.  They began their life together living in construction camps before they settled in The Pas.  They became a family of four with the birth of their son, Daniel James, and daughter, Janine Lynn.  In 1968 they moved to a small acreage on Rall’s Island, where many wonderful memories were made.

Spending time in Cold Lake with Norine’s family was always a wonderful summer retreat.  In the early 80’s Jim and Norine established their place “up the hill”, welcoming many friends and family members over the years for great fishing and good times.  Norine enjoyed reading through the years of cabin journal entries; often they made her smile and led to a great story and a laugh. 

Norine always worked outside the home; she was part of the first group of female correctional officers trained in Manitoba and retired from her position as a Student Placement Counsellor for Frontier School Division in 1997.  She took great pride in the many students she worked with and enjoyed attending graduation ceremonies across Northern Manitoba to see “her kids” receive their diplomas.

Norine became a young widow with Jim’s passing in 1996.  After many years, her special friend “Ken Johnson from Wisconsin” came into Norine’s life.  They spent many happy years enjoying one another’s company and travelling around Canada and the United States.

Norine was predeceased by her loving husband Jim, parents Bill & Linda Hatch, sisters Sharron Hatch and Phyllis Reid.  She is lovingly remembered by her children Janine Kriniski (Randy) and Daniel (Cheryl), grandchildren Hilaree (Riley) and Robyn (Jeff), great-grandchildren Bryce and Sawyer, sister Barbara Easterling, and brothers Bill and Dennis Hatch, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Norine’s 84 years were filled with a wide range of experiences and friendships across generations.   She was known for her welcoming spirit; her door was always open, and she always had time to visit.  Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

As a long-time member of the Legion, we invite you to honour Norine’s memory by making a donation to the Legion Ladies Auxiliary Branch #19, PO Box 3788, The Pas, MB, R9A 1K4, in lieu of flowers. 

A Memorial Service for Norine will be held Friday, May 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. from the Westminster United Church, 330 Edwards Avenue, The Pas, Manitoba with Linda Buchanan officiating.