Deanna Rindal, centre, passed away last week after a battle with cancer. (CurlSask/Facebook)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Remembering

Curling community remembers P.A. woman’s contributions

Nov 25, 2019 | 2:00 PM

The Prince Albert and Saskatchewan curling communities are mourning.

Deanna Rindal, who was a fixture with the local curling club and involved with the game at the provincial, national and international levels passed away last week after a battle with cancer.

During her involvement with CurlSask, the provincial body for curling, Rindal rose up to be the organization’s chief umpire. This role saw Rindal help train other umpires and help make rulings at provincial competitions among other duties.

CurlSask President Christy Walker said when the organization was looking to fill the role, Rindal was a popular choice.

“When we talked about the person that would be great to be our chief umpire, Deanna’s name was unanimous as who that should be,” she said.

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Walker said Rindal took the role seriously and was humbled when asked to take up the role. Walker added while working as the chief umpire, Rindal was able to help the provincial organization make improvements benefiting both athletes and fans.

Her knowledge of curling was not the only area where Rindal made a valuable contribution. Walker said Rindal also brought positive energy overall.

“She always had a joke, she always had a smile, she always had a funny little comment to go with anything and she always could keep the atmosphere upbeat,” she said.

Walker said when the news came out about Rindal’s passing, many people reached out to the organization to share what she meant to them and how missed she would be. These people ranged from those who worked provincial events and meetings to being at the national level.

“Every person has a different story,” Walker said.

Pat Bibby, a longtime member and volunteer at the P.A. Golf and Curling Club said Rindal will be missed by many people. Bibby added Rindal was a wonderful friend and volunteer who also helped out in other areas besides the curling rink.

“[She] was a great person to help anywhere,” Bibby said.

She said Rindal’s accomplishments as an official are important as it helps show how far people can go in the sport.

“It’s very important that she was able to do that to show others, it’s what you put your mind to,” she said.

A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. Thursday in Prince Albert at Messiah Lutheran Church.

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Editor’s note: this story has been amended to correct an error regarding the time of the memorial service.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn