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DARLEEN RUTH GOLKE
Born: Apr 01, 1943
Date of Passing: Dec 16, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDARLEEN RUTH GOLKE April 1,1943 - December 16, 2014 With deep sorrow, we announce the loss, on December 16, of a truly irreplaceable cornerstone of our family. Darleen Golke was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on April 1, 1943; the first child of Elsie and Arnold Golke, and spent her early years on the family farm near the rural community of River Hills, MB. Dar's formal education progressed from the local two-room school, to high school in Lacombe, Alberta, then to Andrews University in Michigan for a BA in English Literature and subsequently to University of Manitoba for teaching certification. She began teaching in Boissevain, MB, moving to a full-time position at Miles McDonnell Collegiate in Winnipeg, from 1966-1969. Dar moved to Toronto in 1969, and from 1970-1975 taught at William Lyon McKenzie Collegiate; probably the most professionally satisfying years of her career, with a progressive administration and bright, inquisitive students providing a rich teaching environment. In 1975, Dar moved back to Winnipeg, married, and embarked on a business venture. Unfortunately, neither marriage nor business survived, and she returned to teaching. In 1978, she joined the staff at Fort Richmond Collegiate, and remained there as teacher/librarian for nearly 25 years. She concurrently upgraded her credentials by completing, in 1996, a Master of Library Science degree. During the years at FRC, Dar made many good friends, none closer than Gail Gowanlock. The two shared a thirst for adventure and joined forces on trips to destinations including China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Cuba, and Mexico. Many more excursions were pending. Dar's selfless dedication to family members in times of need was extraordinary: if someone had a problem, Dar could always be relied on to provide direct support and intelligent advocacy. After retirement in 2003, she moved to Abbotsford, BC, and devoted much of her energy to caring for her mother. Dar's watchful presence allowed Mom to remain in her own home until 2013, and saved the rest of the family much stress and worry: we owe her an enormous debt of gratitude for that wonderful gift. In late 2013, Dar was diagnosed an aggressive liver cancer, and although she fought courageously, the disease won Left to mourn are: her mother, Elsie; sister, Morna, brother, Bill; sister-in-law, Barbara; niece, Raena; nephews, Neil and Kyle; uncles, aunts, cousins, and many good friends. She was predeceased by her father, Arnold; and brother, Bruce. A memorial celebration will be held in spring 2015, in the Fraser Valley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 27, 2014
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Ms Golke. My favorite teacher. She was so hip and reached out a helping hand. I remember her hosting a pizza party for the girls of her graduating class. She was so classy. We listened to Bob Dylan for literature class! She really reached us. - Posted by: Julie Tawns (Student from Miles Mac) on: Jul 13, 2023
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Ms. Golke was my teacher at Miles Mac. She was smart, fair, and demanded the best from all of us. My biggest regret is that in my adult years I was unable to locate her and thank her. During a dark time in my life, she reached out as more than just an English teacher, but as a compassionate and understanding adult. Without her support, I wouldn’t be where I am today...a wife, mother, social worker, and author. I think of her often and feel so grateful for her gentle guidance and insistence that I could rise to a greater potential than where a I was heading. - Posted by: Barbara Joyce-Hawryluk (Student) on: Feb 05, 2020
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Darleen has been our next door neighbour for the past 9 years. Her gentle caring nature is, and will continue to be, missed. - Posted by: Scheirers () on: Jan 02, 2015
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I only ever met Dar a couple of times, but I feel like I got to know her through her good friend Gail G. My condolences are expressed to her whole family, and to Gail. May the memories of Dar's laugh and love for life live on in your thoughts. - Posted by: Tammie Dueck () on: Dec 29, 2014
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My thoughts are with Darleen's family and friends. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Catherine Birch (Former colleague @ FRC) on: Dec 29, 2014
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To Darleen's family, so sorry to hear of Darleen's passing. You are in our thoughts. - Posted by: Sue Defoort (Golke) (Cousine) on: Dec 28, 2014
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We are so very saddened by the passing of Dar. She was a kind and thoughtful friend. I have many enjoyable memories of times together especially when we all lived in Winnipeg. I made a couple of great trips down South with Dar and our great friend, Gail. We had lots of get-together activities in Winnipeg. We now live in Courtenay, B.C. and Dar has visited us at our home here on a couple of occasions. Dar always had such spirit and energy. She will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Susan and David Wellard (friends) on: Dec 27, 2014
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An incredible lady. You will be truly missed. - Posted by: Karen Cruise aka KT (Colleague and friend ) on: Dec 27, 2014
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Our thoughts are with the entire family of Darleen. She was truly a very special individual. As our neighbour we became close to her, Gail and her family. She was so kind to both Scott and Heidi. She would take Scott, at a very young age, to the farm with Neil where she tenderly showed her love for him. Scott would visit her in her Augusta home and always come back with a healthy snack of an apple or carrot. Although Darleen moved away we always kept in touch and visited her in her Abbotsford home. Her family Christmas Cactus, that she gifted us upon her move, still lives on in our home. Darleen you will never be forgotten. Do rest in peace Darleen. The Wilson Family - Posted by: Heather and Lew Wilson (Winnipeg neighbour and friend) on: Dec 27, 2014