Hugh Kines

   Hugh Kines passed away with family at his side, on Sunday February 9, 2020 at Crocus Court Personal Care Home.

   Hugh was born in his family home on Third Avenue in Roblin on April 12, 1929 to Alvin and Ethel (McNeill) Kines, the third of their four sons. He grew up in Roblin and took all his schooling there. A busy and active child and young man, he had many stories to tell of life growing up in his small town. As a boy, he delivered papers, delivered groceries and Watkins products (pulled in a wagon along with brother Don to help), and raised purebred Samoyed dogs and purebred rabbits. He had many stories about the dogs he raised and shipped all over North America, some of who ended up being champion show dogs. His love of dogs never ended and seeing Larry’s dog Ali was sure to bring a big smile to his face.

    He went to work with his father at the Roblin Post Office while still in school, and continued on after he finished school. He became postmaster when his father retired, and later was followed by his son Larry. He loved working with the public and with all his fellow coworkers in the Post Office. There was always lots of laughter with the staff and customers. In retirement, he and Helena were fortunate to be able to travel extensively, and travel they did. They made numerous trips all over North America with good friends Garry and Barb Gaber, and in these later years with Larry and Brandt. Trips to watch the Blue Jays were always a highlight.

   He married Helena Truffyn in July 1953, and they soon built their home on Hospital Street, where they raised their three children, Michele, Clare, and Larry. Always a busy and active home, it was a gathering place for all their extended family. Hugh and Helena celebrated 65 years of marriage shortly before Mom’s passing in 2018. They were fortunate to live in their home almost to the end. In February of 2019 Dad moved into Crocus Court, where he was well cared for and enjoyed the banter and joking with the staff, and the other residents. As a family, we are thankful for the dedicated staff and the residents and visitors who added joy and laughter to his days there.

   Always active in the community he loved, he played hockey and coached minor hockey, taught Sunday School at the United Church, was active in the Chamber of Commerce and Kinsmen. He loved to sing, and music was always a huge part of his life. Many hours were spent singing around the piano, then through Junior Choir, Community Choir, Langenburg Barbershoppers, numerous quartets, and always the United Church Choir. Hugh was a faithful and dedicated member of Knox United Church, singing in the choir and serving on the board and various committees. His faith was a major part of his life and sustained him in good times and bad. A strong believer in prayer, his prayer list was lengthy and extensive and encompassed both people he knew and those he didn’t.

   Predeceased by his beloved wife Helena, he is survived by his daughter Michele Kines and Ron McConnell, son Clare and Leah Kines, son Larry, grandchildren Brandt, Travis and Hilary Kines, and daughter-in-law Lisa Pierce. He is also survived by brother Wayne and Deva Kines, and sisters-in-law Kate Topham and Shirley Paulenko, cousins, and numerous well-loved nieces and nephews.

   Hugh was predeceased by his parents, Alvin and Ethel, brothers Tom (Mavis) and Don (Bonnie), brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Michael, John and Bill (Mary) Truffyn, Mary (Frank) Perry, Verna (Les) Brighter, Edith (Eli) Cheropita, Ruby (Jack) Keens, brothers-in-law Hector Topham and George Paulenko, sisters-in-law Valerie Kines and Jayne Kines, daughter-In-law Janice Dixon, and nephew Allan Brighter.

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