We all have had mentors in our life, and Winnie was mine. It took me 14 years to share this audio, which at the time brought tears, but today brings laughter. It is my hope that all who knew Winnie will likewise enjoy this candid moment from her that will stay with me through my life.
Winnie died on May 2, 2011. She was a very respected Labrador Retriever breeder and AKC licensed Judge. Winnie had a presence – a very large presence – that few could match. She was determined and said what she meant, and did so in few words. Her eye for Labradors was unmatched.
While she passed on May 2 (she had fought breast cancer, and other serious health issues in her last few years), her celebration of life would not be held until June 11, 2011. I had moved from Acton California to Priest River Idaho, but we still owned the house in Acton. Dan and I traveled back to that home for her celebration of life. Winnie’s death had hit me very hard, and I had a dread of going into that celebration of life. She would not want me blubbering with emotion. After the 22 hour drive to Acton, we entered the house to find a message on our phone. Winnie had called me just prior to her death from her hospital room. However, she called the number she knew by heart – our CA house phone, so I never received that message until I got there a few days before that celebration. Attached is the audio of that message. It is total Winnie – commanding that people not worry about her. A very few people have heard this message. I’ve kept it on my computer for all these years. I’m now 72 – two years older than Winnie was when she passed. There are many people still alive who remember Winnie, but every day the number of people who remember her (and her voice) are getting down in numbers. This is Winnie to a tee. Always instructing people to not waste money (unless it was at the Ways and Means table at a show). If you remember Winnie, I hope you smile, rather than shed a tear, at her tenacity.
NOTE: if you leave a comment on this page, it will not show up immediately. I must approve or disapprove each comment. That security factor assures that no ill-intended posts are published.
Hi, it’s just Winnie. I’M STILL ALIVE! Tell them not to..not to… buy the flowers yet ’cause I’m still alive. I went to spend the night in the hospital. They ran some tests, and found some fluid on my lungs, and… uhhh… I think that might be what’s causing my breathing problems. Other than that, I’m doing pretty good, but… uhhh… a lot better than I did… let me put it that way… a lot better than I did! They’re going to keep me a night, maybe two nights. But uhhh… otherwise I’m alright – tell them NOT TO BUY THE FLOWERS – don’t waste their money. Thanks, bye!
Oh MY God. That voice that I haven’t heard in so long and you are correct, the message is total Winnie. I do think of her often. Every time I see on FB people posting about going to or what they did at the Potomac I stop and think of our time there together. Betty and I would meet her at the airport in Maryland and drive to the hotel where we stayed for the week of showing and fun. I was so sorry to have missed her celebration of life as my husband was too sick for me to travel to CA. as I was then living in NJ. God bless you Winnie and thank you for all your guidance and help through my years in Labs.
Think of Winnie every time I step in the ring to judge. Loved sitting ring side with her, She was my sounding board and encouraged me to start judging, my ring steward during many of my sweeps assignments and the one who told me it was time to apply for my license (though I still waited awhile). If you didn’t want the answer you didn’t ask Winnie – which I so greatly appreciated! Her true opinion, never sugar coated!
Thank you for sharing this. She was one of the great ones.
Oh my gosh, I miss her wisdom on labradors, and even backing up the van.
“Just go really slow, if you hit something it won’t do any damage”! -Winnie
I’m so glad you have this to share…. Winnie was one of a kind in so many ways… Missed, but not forgotten!!!! Price loved her….
Thank you for sharing this…tears rolling down my face. Her last trip to Potomac, I told Winnie right before I left her room that I loved her and I so appreciated her friendship & mentorship – typical Winnie, she smiled and said, “I know you do.”
Some people never really leave us.
Love her! She was always kind but to the point! I learned a lot from her!
Winnie was a amazing person. I loved her direct, upfront approach to everything she did. Loved her stories especially the one about the diamond ring lol
She is thought of often. There will never be another Winnie.
That is very special Dian, I really didn’t know Winnie but I know she was a great one in the Labrador world.
Thank you for sharing.