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For six long weeks in 1961, James Coyne, the Governor of the Bank of Canada, was vilified by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker.
But Coyne’s wife, Hope Meribeth Cameron, stood by his side. As her family says, “Jim was always deeply grateful for Meribeth’s unwavering support.”
Meribeth died on April 6. She was 96.
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That time in Canadian history is known as the Coyne Affair or Coyne Crisis, and it was sparked by the Diefenbaker government’s request to the Bank of Canada to reduce interest rates, hoping to stimulate the economy. Coyne refused, pointing out it was the government’s own fiscal policies creating the problems with the economy.
Things came to a head when the Progressive Conservative government passed a bill declaring Coyne’s position vacant. But after a majority of Liberals in the Senate exonerated Coyne and defeated the bill, he opted to resign the next day.
Coyne was Meribeth’s second husband.
Meribeth, born in Belleville, Ont., was very proud her grandfather had staked the mining claims in Sudbury, Ont., which eventually became part of Inco, and she greatly valued her mother’s United Empire Loyalist roots.
As a child, she enjoyed playing golf and tennis. She spent summers at Camp Wapomeo, a camp for girls in Algonquin Provincial Park.
Meribeth received her Bachelor of Arts from McGill University before meeting and marrying, Robert Sanford Riley, a Winnipeg businessman working in Montreal.
They had three children and were living in Winnipeg, but she was left a widow at just 27 when Riley died of cancer.
“From this, she learned never to take any bit of happiness for granted,” her family says in her obituary.
Less than two years later she found happiness again, marrying Coyne, another Winnipegger. They lived in Ottawa and had two more children.
A few years later, the family of seven moved to Winnipeg where, for a time, her husband was involved trying to set up the Bank of Western Canada.
Meribeth, who the family admits found going back to Winnipeg “a not entirely welcome move that (she) was determined to make the best of”, went back to school. She got her Bachelor of Education degree, taught at Balmoral Hall, returned to school and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. She went on to become a visual artist for the next five decades.
In fact, when her son Sanford became the University of Winnipeg’s sixth Chancellor, she painted his official portrait. She also had several solo shows at the Medea Gallery and, while wintering in Sarasota, displayed her work.
Her children remember her for creating “a cozy, welcoming place for all,” even though she admitted cooking wasn’t an area she excelled in and many times they were told to “fend for yourself.”
Her grandchildren remember the advice she gave them including, “Bloom where you’re planted,” and, “A ship is safe in harbour, but that’s not what a ship is for,” and sometimes, “Jim, I can’t stand these children for one more minute.”
Meribeth was predeceased by Jim in 2012. She is survived by her children, Sanford, Patrick, Nancy, Andrew, and Susan, 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Read more about Meribeth.
How They Lived
The University of Manitoba already has Professor Popsicle, but you could say they also had Professor Spit.
That’s because Colin Dawes, who was 88 when he died on April 5, was an oral biology professor in dentistry at the University of Manitoba who specialized in studying saliva and its importance for oral health.
Colin, who taught students for more than 40 years, also used them not only as his suppliers of the raw material he needed for his research, but also as his guinea pigs to do experiments with, including having them chew on food and spit it out for him.
Read more about Colin.
Beryl Torgasows worked in the printing industry but after hours helped veterans.
Beryl, who died on April 8 at 83 years of age, volunteered with the local Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans.
Through the years, she served as president of ANAF Unit 283’s Ladies Auxiliary for spent five terms and with ANAF’s Provincial Command.
Beryl was honoured for her service by being recognized as a life member in 1987.
Read more about Beryl.
Garry Wazny should have been in sales instead of working as an electrician.
Garry, who was 74 when he died on April 4, was able to convince his wife to move to Gillam for five years, saying it was just “a long camping trip.”
After high school, Garry had moved to Gillam when earned his electrician ticket.
Returning to the city, he worked with the Winnipeg Fire Department in building maintenance, staying there for 25 years until retirement.
Read more about Garry.
Simonne Meilleur was not just any mom but an award-winning mom.
Simonne, who died on April 7 at 94 years of age, was chosen Mother of the Year in 1958 by CJOB.
Certainly, she had plenty of experience in that role. She is survived by 13 children, 37 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
She was also involved in many projects at her church, directing the choir and serving on the Parish Council for years. She was also a chartered member of the Catholic Women’s League for 29 years.
Read more about Simonne.
Helene Murdoch was a partner in politics for 15 years.
Helene, who was 90 when she died on March 25, became a politician’s wife when her husband, Harry Enns, was elected as a MLA in Woodlands in 1966.
After the couple split, she moved to Calgary to work with Thomas Cook Travel.
But Helene remarried and returned to Manitoba, spending many happy times with family at the cottage they built in Lake of the Woods.
Read more about Helene.
Darlene Golinoski helped counsel people battle addictions.
Darlene, who died on April 7 at 78, began working as a teacher before taking her education skills to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.
She held several positions, including supervising the community education program. She also worked with the University of Manitoba to develop a counsellor training programs with a specialization in addictions.
Darlene later worked with the province’s justice department and Driver and Vehicle Licensing to create and implement the Provincial Impaired Driving program, which is still in place today.
She also volunteered for many organizations, including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Things Shop, as well as the Winnipeg Folk Festival and the Fringe Festival.
Read more about Darlene.
A Life’s Story
Yvonne Zarnowski spent her life marching to the beat of her own drum.
Yvonne, who died in October at 68, was a founding member of the city’s Hinode Taiko group and played with the group for years.
Yvonne Zarnowski was a single mother who pursued many passions during her life, including Japanese drumming, art and horseback riding. (Supplied)
“We didn’t have any drums; everyone had to bring in a tire so that we could hit something,” said co-founder Florence Mitani, recalling the large truck tire Yvonne would lug to practices.
“She was very dedicated.”
To read more about Yvonne’s life, click here.
Until next time, I hope you continue to write your own life’s story.
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