ADRIENNE VALERIE BAGE (nee SIMPSON) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Adrienne Bage, aged 46, on Monday, October 11, 2004, after a brief battle with cancer. She fought fiercely to stay with us. She leaves behind her beloved husband Bill and their children, Chantel and Trevor. Her memory will be forever cherished by her parents, Marjorie and Stuart Simpson; her sisters, Monica (Tim) Ainslee; and brother Riley; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Adrienne, born July 27, 1958, grew up and was educated in East Kildonan. She had a passion for life which knew no boundaries, and her many interests allowed her to satisfy one of her great passions - an interest in people. Adrienne had a way with people and over the years she made many friends - relationships she tended to with great attention. As a young person she excelled in sports. She was a member of the Manitoba senior level synchronized swim team, representing the province at the Canadian championships. She played hockey at a time when few young women did and as always, took her place on the ice and showed them what she was made of. When she no longer played sports she went on to coach with the same dedication and commitment that went in to everything she did. One of her greatest joys was her family, in particular her children. She was quick to become involved in all of Trevor and Chantels activities. She was very active with both the Flin Flon and River East Minor Hockey Associations. Whether at hockey with Trevor or curling with Chantel, Adriennes voice rang through the building as she cheered her kids and their teammates on. In 1979, while in university, she began work as a cashier at Red River Co-op. Her keen interest in the people around her and her strong sense of fairness drew her to the labour movement as she became active in her union. This began her involvement with the labour movement and the New Democratic Party, leading to her employment in the 1980s as Executive Assistant and then Special Assistant to the Minister of Finance. In 1990 she married Bill, the love of her life, and joined him in Flin Flon. They had many happy years there, highlighted by the birth of Chantel in 1991 and Trevor in 1994. Her family was the central focus of her boundless energy and she welcomed every opportunity to participate in their activities and enjoy their interests. Her involvement in their lives is ever present in the inquisitive and outgoing young people her children have become. When the children began school, Adrienne became the Executive Director of the Flin Flon - Creighton Crisis Centre. As well, she worked as a crisis intervention worker with Child and Family Services. She seemed to always know what was required and handled many difficult situations with both authority and compassion. Her commitment to make this world a better place continued as she and Bill pursued activities in both the labour movement and the political arena. After assisting in his election, Adrienne worked for Flin Flon MLA, Gerard Jennissen, and before long was familiar with every northern community in his constituency. Although she enjoyed her time up north, Adriennes ties to her extended family resulted in frequent trips to Winnipeg. Summers at the family cottage at Lac Lu were treasured. She eagerly worked with her family on various building projects, whether it was mixing concrete with her parents, tuning up the boat, or planning the next project. In 2003, she took the job of Special Assistant to the Minister of Labour and moved to Winnipeg. Her latest and most important goal was to be here with Bill to guide their children through their early years and see them graduate. Despite many obstacles through the past few months she fought endlessly to get home to her family. While this was not to be, she lived her life in such a way that she leaves them a legacy of love and loyalties which will surround them through this difficult journey. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 15, at Klassen Funeral Chapel, 1897 Henderson Hwy., with Rev. Bill Blaikie officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Adriennes memory to CancerCare Manitoba, ON 109 - 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg R3E 0V9. KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME 1897 Henderson - North of McIvor 925-1120