Obituary of Wendi Jenkins

JENKINS – Wendi Lorraine 1958 – 2007 “Oh put my spurs upon my breast My rope and saddle tree, And while the boys lay me to rest Go turn my horses free.” Wendi passed on peacefully on Saturday, February 17th after a courageous and inspirational eighteen month battle with pancreatic cancer. A little bit country, a little bit rock-and-roll, she will be remembered most for her bold and fiery character, unique personal style, eclectic interests, kick-ass attitude, quick wit, irreverent sense of humour and a wide, diverse and interesting circle of family and friends; and cow skulls. An artist, she had a great interest in and appreciation of all things beautiful, including fashion, music, fine art, graphic design, home decor and a fine sunset at the Lazy U, the Jenkins’ family ranch near Pincher Creek where she grew up. Wendi worked temp and part time (most recently at Sculptural Design Studios) so that she could develop and operate her own business (MythMaker Studios) decorating show homes, and working on her own art projects. Before that, she had made many contributions to the printing, home building and interior design industries. She touched many, many lives. Returning to school as a mature student, Wendi graduated in 1992 from the Alberta College of Art and Design where she was chosen class president and valedictorian. It was at ACAD that Wendi truly came into her own and it was her final wish that other emerging artists be given support and encouragement to follow their dreams. To that affect she made provision in her will for the creation of the Wendi Jenkins Memorial Scholarship, to be presented to a fourth-year ACAD student, majoring in Sculpture. A public celebration of Wendi’s life and a fundraising event for her scholarship will be held in Calgary at a later date. Wendi will be missed, but her legacy will live on. Heartfelt thanks to her wellness team of medical doctors, alterative therapists and palliative caregivers, especially her Oncologist, Dr. Jay Esaw, for their expertise, open minds and positive attitudes, and their help in prolonging and improving the quality of Wendi’s life. Thank you to Karen, Donna, Joy, Stephan, Alan, Gord and Leslie (Wendi’s best friend and “soul-sister”) for their positive support, help and humour. Wendi is survived by her parents, Fay and Bud Jenkins of Pincher Creek; five siblings: Jeanne (Gordon) Barrett, Sherwood Park; Bonnie (Brian) Harry, Coleman; Karen Hart (Stan Dabisza), Okotoks; Cindy (Lynn) Roberts, Olds; and Frank (Tracy) Jenkins, Pincher Creek. Wendi was especially proud of her twenty-two nieces and nephews and sixteen great-nieces and nephews. She will be with them once again at a private family memorial at the place she loved most. Wendi also requested her brother Frank go for one last ride with her, and spread her ashes from horseback on the hills of the Lazy U Ranch when the sunflowers are in bloom. “Happy trails to you-until we meet again, Wendi.” Condolences may be emailed to the family through McInnis & Holloway at www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Thank you to Charles for his thoughtfulness regarding Wendi’s final arrangements, including the planting of a tree in Wendi’s name in Fish Creek Park this fall. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Wendi’s name to the Hospice Calgary Society: #900, 833 – 4 Ave SW, Calgary, T2P 3T5, (403) 263-4524. Donation options and an order form can also be found on their web site at www.hospicecalgary.com.