Geoffrey Lee Shinkle
November 5, 1950 to October 19, 2021
Obituary
Service of Committal for Geoffrey Lee Shinkle to take place in General Protestant Cemetery on Friday, September 16th, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
Geoffrey Lee Shinkle, age 70, passed peacefully in his home in St. John’s on October 19, 2021. Lee was born in St. John’s on November 5, 1950, to Joan Crosbie and Eugene Shinkle.
Lee’s memory lives on through his loving wife Martha, daughter Malindi (Sean Charters), son Geoffrey (Emily Doyle), daughter Jessica (David Banfield) and son David. As well as 9 grandchildren Dafydd, Alexander, Gabriella, Ella, Ida, Leo, Abram, Sophia and Catherine. Leaving to mourn siblings, Matthew (Joyce), Susan (Doug), Eugenie, Tim (Anne), Glynis, and John (Stephanie), and stepmother, Jean (Hatty) Shinkle. As well as a large circle of extended family and friends; of special note are Ches Crosbie and Lois Hoegg, Dan and Roma Herder and Chris Rusted and Christine Clouston.
Special thanks to Lee’s caregivers, and especially to Siraj and Jeff, who made him feel comfortable and secure. Many thanks to the ALS Society of Canada and the overall care and support from Eastern Health staff. After Lee’s diagnosis with ALS in 2018, he remained pragmatic and positive, never complaining and always there to support his family and friends throughout his illness.
Lee met his wife, Martha (Hawke), in Lausanne, Switzerland when they were both 17 and they enjoyed over 50 wonderful years together. They shared a love of traveling, entertaining, fishing, and reading. Lee and Martha enjoyed vacationing with their family and friends, exemplified by the beautiful memories that were made at the White Sails Inn in Eastport. Family was incredibly important to him, and he treasured being surrounded by loved ones especially at their regular Sunday dinners. Lee was an exceptional Father and Grandfather. Despite his busy business schedule, he always made time for his children. He was incredibly proud of his children and adored the role of “Grandpa”.
Lee was a spectacular gardener, with no better example than his garden at home. He was a voracious reader, an accomplished hunter and loved salmon fishing. These activities gave him immense pride and the “bragging-rights” he was always eager to share.
Lee started his education at Bishop Feild College, continued at St. Andrew’s College and the Canadian Junior College in Lausanne Switzerland. Lee graduated initially from the University of Toronto and continued at the London School of Business and the Institute of Corporate Directors. Lee always valued education and continued to take on new learning opportunities throughout his life.
Lee was a business leader in Atlantic Canada for over 50-years in the insurance, oil and gas, research, innovation, and mining industries. Outside of his business interests Lee was engaged in numerous volunteer and board activities, including the Crosbie Group of Companies, Genoa Design International, Memorial University of NL, Engineering and Applied Sciences Advisory Council, Newfoundland Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), St. John’s Board of Trade, and the Genesis Centre. Lee was an industry leader who excelled at business development and who was happy to pass on his expertise to the next generation of business leaders in our province.
Throughout his life, Lee was honored with numerous awards, including being recognized as a Top 50 CEO in Atlantic Canada, as well as in the oil and gas sector in NL. Additionally, he was honored to receive the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, and the NOIA Outstanding Contribution Award. Recently, Lee was touched by a scholarship recognizing his achievements by Genoa Design International; named the “Lee Shinkle Think Big Scholarship”.
Lee was a lifelong coach, teacher, and mentor. He enjoyed nothing more than passing knowledge to his children, grandchildren and to the next generation at large.
Visitation will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Thursday, October 21st from 7-9 pm, and Friday, October 22nd from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Masks required. Please respect social distancing protocols. Funeral is by invitation. Vaccine passports required in order to attend the funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lee’s memory may be made to the ALS Society of Canada and/or St. Mark’s Anglican Church.
Schedule
Service of Committal
2:00pm, Friday September 16th
General Protestant Cemetery
Thank you Martha, Malindi, and Alex for your endless hospitality and kindness. Thinking of you all, and sending my condolences. <3
Martha, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, Lee. He was a very interesting man and Nils and I enjoyed the many occasions we were in both your and his company. My thoughts are with you
Gwen Bannister
St. Louis, MO
Dear Martha,
Memories of our time together at CJC and the following years at TWH come flooding back. I can still picture you and Lee sitting on the lawn in front of the residence. That Lee remained pragmatic and positive, supporting family and friends throughout the last few years is truly an inspiration. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Hatty I am very sorry to hear about Lee. Please pass on my condolences to your family as well.
Susan Goold
So sad to hear this news, our condolences to Lee’s family and especially Martha. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Danielle and Jean-Marc Lemelin
Danielle@lemelinart.com
I was so sorry to hear of Lee’s passing.
No words can mend his loss. My thoughts are with Martha, Hatty, and all of his family and loved ones.
Malindi….so sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
David I was sorry to hear of your fathers passing. My thoughts and prayers are being sent your way with this email.
Janis Schwartz or as u sometimes called me Mom Schwartz. Hugs.
To the whole Shinkle family, especially Malindi, Jessica and David, Matt, Susan and Doug. I am so very sorry for your loss. Lee will be very sadly missed by so many people. May your many memories keep him close in your heart every day.
Elizabeth Whelan Hollett
Malindi and family,
I am very sorry for your loss.
Dear Martha, Jessica, David and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on Lee’s passing..
Sincerely ,
Les and Pauline Tarrant
Sincere condolences on the passing of Lee. I got to know him through the Newfoundland Labrador Angel Network. He understood a good business opportunity and I personally appreciated his thoughtful questions and debate. It was always respectable and he gave freely of his time to mentor to develop the business to full potential. May he Rest In Peace.
Martha and family, please accept my sincere condolences on Lee’s passing. Thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time.
Glenda Wilkins
Matt and Joyce, we are sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Dear Martha and family, my thoughts are with you during this challenging time. Lee was a lovely man and will be missed by many..
Martha and family
We were saddened to hear of Lee’s passing. We always enjoyed his quick wit and humor. Our deepest condolences.
Martha and Family, Matt and Family and Hatty, My sincere condolences on the passing of Lee. I have good memories of White Sales Inn when I spent a week there with Hatty and the family. I also spent considerable time at your place of residence with Hatty and enjoyed your wonderful garden.
Cherish your many many happy memories.
RIP Lee,
Joan Butler
Rest in Peace Lee. Thank You for your mentoring at Reed Stenhouse. My condolences to your family.
Malindi and extended Shinkle Family sincerest condolences on the loss of Lee.
Paris and Janette Georghiou
Dear Martha and family,
So sorry for your loss and for the challenges you have all faced. La Rose des vents will take a moment to remember Lee at our Monday rehearsal; we wish peace and strength to those who are touched by his passing.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family, Jessica. We can see why you are such an amazing person- your dad was quite extraordinary.
Martha and Family,
Our sincerest condolences in Lee’s passing.
Gord and I have always enjoyed our social times with you both.
In particular, Gord enjoyed many a hunting trip with him.
We are witness to his impressive green thumb and beautiful garden. He has inspired many to create their own home ‘plantations’!
We know how much he valued his family…..you, his children and grandchildren…simply by listening to him ‘brag’ about you all and your accomplishments..
He was more than an accomplished businessman, to which his many awards can attest.
He will be missed…..and remembered always.
Our hearts are with you all.
Gord and Rhonda Higgiins
Dear Malindi & family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father. It is a huge loss at any time, and nothing really prepares you for it. I hope that you find comfort in your memories and the knowledge that your father was a wonderful person who loved his family and passed those values on to you. That is a special gift that is priceless. You, Sean, and Alexander are in our thoughts.
Martha and family
My deepest condolences to you all.
Lee was a bright guy who I respected greatly. He was an avid hunter and superb card player whose humor brightened up many a trip to Kaguedeck Lodge where he loved to be. Rest in peace my friend.
My deepest condolences to all of Lee’s family and friends. I hope there is solace to be had that he left this world a better place than he found it, and that he departed on his own terms. I admired the strength of mind and character he displayed when I last saw him in ’19, and spoke to him early this year by phone. I was honored to call him a mentor.
Mother sends her best, and Dad is probably sharing a glass with Lee right now, talking of ‘those days’.
Dear Joyce and the Shinkle family.
We want to express our deepest sympathy on the passing of your husband , Lee father, grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Memories last forever. Love Maureen ( Thorburn)& Jerry Jaud
Malindi and Family,
I was so saddened to hear of your father’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May you all find comfort through each others love and companionship.
Bill
Deepest condolences to Martha and family, to Joyce and Matt and family,
Lee was a great childhood friend when we lived next door to his grandmother on Rennies Mill Road.
We became life long friends from those days gone by.
My sister and I visited St. Johns from our home in BC more than a few years ago and Lee treated us to a night out on George Street. What a glorious time we had.
So very sad to hear of his passing, memories will live on forever.
Eileen Harvey and family ( nee Thorburn) Kelowna, BC
Dear Matt &. Joyce and families and friends…..I am sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. His life’s career and accomplishments were remarkable and his easy going way, yet ever productive was indeed inspirational to so so many. Last time I spoke with Lee was the year before I retired from 3M. We shared a table at NOIA function and we were sharing our passion for gardening and bottling preserves…..He was an man of great passion and conviction and know he will be missed. Bless you all.
So sorry for your loss. Loved meeting Lee. Had the pleasure of hearing some of his great stories. Incredible man and very witty.
Malindi, I was sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I have a great memory of him “serving “ the Sunday morning tennis group at Christian’s several years ago. Sending my heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this sad time.
Matt, Joyce and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. Thinking of you all as you go forward. Take care and God Bless
Doug and Cindi (Barnes) Farrell
Hatty, sending you all my love and prayers during this very sad time in the loss of your stepson. My condolences to all Lee’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Dear Malindi and Family,
Sorry to hear of your father’s passing. On behalf of the of NL Institute of Supply Chain Canada please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts are with you.
Alex Kane and the Board
St. John’s
Godspeed Lee. You were truely one of a kind .
Martha and family, my condolences and thoughts. Blessings
Deepest condolences to Martha and family from Shane and Nancy at the White Sails Inn. How wonderful that this little corner of the world made such beautiful and lasting memories for Lee and his family. We have missed him the last few years but always got an update from his children. Hold dear to your memories at this very difficult time.
I am saddened to hear about Lee’s passing. He was a good friend an valued mentor to me when I started my marketing business in 1990. He opened many doors for me in the Oil & Gas industry. He will be missed.
To Lee’s Family
I only knew Lee as a volunteer and from business hence I never meet any if you.
Lee was a man I can call a friend and yes a mentor.
Our deepest and sincere Condolences to you, he was a good man, his memory will live on in all you you.
Rest in Peace Lee
Jack & Marg Parsons
Martha, Jessica and your whole extended family, Susan and I extend our sincerest sympathy on Lee’s passing. We know what a strength he was in your family and he will be greatly missed. We wish you all the best in the future as you navigate your way forward without him.
Martha and family, I was sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. He was such a great spirit and jokester. Years ago I got to know him when we sat on the board of trade together. He helped make it fun and productive. And other adventures along the way including having you both visit Santa Fe while I was living there. Life. Friendships and paying attention to what matters. I trust Lee has peace., and your family celebrates the life you all created together.. xox
So sorry to hear of Lee’s passing and hope that the sweet memories of fifty years together bring you some comfort.
Lee was a “professional “ in every sense of that word and made great contributions to the Insurance Industry and the overall business community in NL and beyond..
Martha and family..so sad to hear of Lee’s passing.He was so accomplished and leaves a wonderful legacy.
Our sincere condolences to all the family
Donna and Geoff Dawe
Dear Jessica and family heard the news while visiting Cormac so sad for one so young.Our sympathy to you all Tony
Dear Martha and family,
I was truly saddened to learn about Lee’s death, and my heart goes out to you all. No words are enough to alleviate the sense of loss you feel, just know that I feel your sorrow and wish you strength to carry on the way Lee would have wanted. He lives on in each of you and in the minds of those who knew him. My most sincere condolences.
Martha and family, Matt, Joyce and family, thinking of you all at this time, it is never easy to lose a loved one! My deepest condolences, Betty Spearns
Martha and family,
My sincere condolences and support are extended to you at this difficult time. I pray you will find comfort in recalling many years of happy memories.
Malindi, my heartfelt condolences go out to you and all the Shinkle family and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
To all the family. Please accept my sincerest condolences. I have very fond memories of the time Lee spent with our family when we were children, particularly the family vacations and all the road trips. Such a pleasant young man. Lots of fun times. While I lost touch over the years, I admired the great work he did in promoting this province and giving back to the community..
Dear Jessica
We are saddened to hear of the passing of your Father. Sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
With love and support,
Brett and Nicky Williams
Matt, Susan, Joyce and families, we are very sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. He was an inspirational pioneer in the offshore industry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Take care,
Jeffrey and Barbara Bugden
Dear Martha and Family, We are very sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. We have many good memories of him and your family when you would come to the White Sails Inn and Cabins during the Summers when we worked there. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jessica and Malindi,
Sad to hear of your father’s passing.
I am thinking now of Hatty, a wonderful, skilled expert gardener in her own right. Something she shared with her stepson, Lee. My condolences to all the family at this very hard time. Peace and calm to you all.
So sorry Matt and Joyce and all family worked with Lee for a very short period in insurance he was very bright and smart yet very witty.
Dear Martha and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Lees passing. I have many fond memories of playing with him when we were young. He was smart and funny. Our thoughts are with you.
David Carnell
Halifax