Love of Learning Nominees
Betty Dimock
Nominated by B. Joan Lawrence, has an incredible enthusiasm for life and living.
As a teenager, she attended New York’s Pratt Institute School of Fine Art until she was old enough to begin her lifelong desire of becoming a nurse. After receiving her RN she served in the South African Army and Canadian Army. Through a war disability, she lost most of her hearing but went on to become an advocate for others with disabilities. Before returning home she did a short course in French Art and Culture at the Sorbonne in Paris, France.
This began a life-long interest in developing and sharing her passion for art with others. Over the years Betty has worked steadily to increase public awareness of the restrictions the hard of hearing experience in society. To learn more about her chosen field of art, Betty has travelled throughout the world, learning and sharing her knowledge with children and adults in Manitoba through the Forum Art Institute. At the age of 63, she graduated with a BFA from the University of Manitoba. In her early 80’s she was asked by her parish priest to create something for the Lenten meditations on the way of the cross. Twenty years later she published a book containing both these images and her experience.
At the age of 90, Betty celebrated a Lifetime of Thoughts, a one artist exhibit at the Ken Segal Gallery. Showing no signs of slowing down, Betty’s particular passion to continue to grow and learn despite hardships inspires others to more fully enter into their own lives.
Shirley Bradshaw
Nominated by the University Women’s Club of Winnipeg, Shirley’s varied and interesting career equipped her for a busy and challenging retirement.
Her responsibilities in Human Resource Management and Training prepared her for positions on Boards, Commissions and committees as she continued to learn and to help others to learn.
It was during her time on the Board of Age & Opportunity in the early 80’s that the project “Institute of Continuous Learning”, prototype for what we now know as “Creative Retirement” was started.
Since her retirement in 1984 she has taken many courses at the University of Winnipeg, Creative Retirement and the University Women’s Club of Winnipeg, specializing in current affairs and history. In 1991 she was one of the founding members of WIN (Winnipeg into the Nineties) a group that encourages debate and participation in civic affairs.
A great supporter of the Arts and active in her church, Shirley is an outstanding mentor and role model for family and friends.
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Bridging the Generations Nominees
John K. W. McKay
Nominated by Concordia Adult Day Club.
John K. W. McKay’s passion in life was to see disadvantaged children break the cycle of crime and become responsible citizens. He worked long and hard to give disadvantaged youth every opportunity to build a better life. Being a probation officer and a social worker he always fought for social improvement. He participated in the formation of several community services including Big Brothers of Winnipeg, the Citizen’s Committee on Corrections and was the driving force in the development of The Youth for Christ program. John opened the door of hope for many troubled youth who are now responsible adults and citizens. John would still be very willing to speak out on behalf of the disadvantaged, but his disability makes it impossible for him to do so. He is truly an ageless hero.
Pat Roberts
Nominated by Joyce A. Gittins, is a 50 year member of Sweet Adelines International. She has worked very hard singing in many quartets and chorus competitions and performances. Pat and her quartet have given classes in four part harmony to many Winnipeg schools from grades 1 – 6 for which they have received much appreciation. In her spare time, Pat actively competes in the “Seniors Games” downhill skiing, swimming, and track events. Her friends and colleagues attest to Pat being an amazing woman and an inspiration to all who know her.
Ruth Wright
Nominated by River East Transcona School Division, Ruth is a volunteer making a tremendous difference to young families in that community.
A retired librarian, she has given countless hours welcoming families into free preschool literacy programs, reading and singing with the children and providing encouragement to and connecting with their parents.
One of Ruth’s pet projects has been the creation of “Storysacks” where children’s books are brought to life by creating homemade props, scenery, games and activities and include reading tips and activity ideas for parents.
A fantastic advocate of preschool programs, Ruth also recruits and assists with training of new volunteers and has participated in a special project for the National Literary Secretariat, sponsored by Creative Retirement, linking seniors and retired people with family literacy.
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