Obituary of Betty Jane Klein

It is with sadness that we share the news of Betty’s passing which occurred at the palliative care unit of the Regina Pasqua Hospital on Wednesday, October 21, 2015. Betty was born April 22, 1937 in the Lanigan area. Friends will agree that throughout her life, this woman was a “political animal” who cared deeply about worker rights and socialist ideals. Both a union and party organizer in Saskatchewan, Betty was at one point also the Provincial Secretary of the NDP in Manitoba in 1969, working to help elect the government of Edward Schreyer as Premier. Betty and her husband Jack Kinzel (one of the champions of Medicare who predeceased Betty in 1996), were passionate about inviting others to be part of a movement of caring about their neighbours. They especially enjoyed their time together in Granada and made many friends in that community during their stays there. Betty avidly looked to be part of building that better tomorrow that everyone could enjoy. To this end, you could find her volunteering as a helper and mentor with children in certain Regina inner-city schools up until sight/health issues became a barrier. We will miss her passion, love and friendship! Thanks to all those special people who have been part of Betty’s journey and have shared laughter and joy with her along the way. Also a huge thank you to the paramedics, nurses, doctors and other care-givers of the Pasqua Hospital who cared for Betty in her last days. Following Betty’s wishes, there will be no funeral. A casual “Come and Go” time of remembering for past co-workers and friends will be held on Saturday, November 7 from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m., at Speers Family Centre, 2333 Cornwall Street, Regina, SK. Flowers gratefully declined. If so desired, memorial gifts can be made, in memory of Betty, to the charity of your choice (as long as it isn’t the PC Party of Canada - Betty just couldn’t accept such a tribute!)