Obituary of Rev. Dorrie Flook

FLOOK: Dorrie Flook (Archibald) of Brandon died at Valleyview Care Centre in the early hours of October 20, 2012 after a brief illness. Dorrie was born in Calgary, Alberta on January 31, 1922, second daughter of Joseph Flook and Alice Tingle. After WWI, the family moved to Riding Mountain, MB. She spent her early years there attending Roskeen School and developing a lifelong love of nature, gardening and music. The family was extremely musical and Dorrie and her two sisters, Sylvia and Connie, were known locally as the singing Flook sisters. After a brief stay in Winnipeg after WWII, Dorrie, and by now, her two children, Clayton and Leslie, returned to Riding Mountain. The next several years were active ones for the young family. In addition to raising her children, she was active in the small community, particularly the church. It soon became apparent that the church was her true calling, and with the encouragement of her friend and mentor, Rev. Ralph Clark, she entered the United Church of Canada as a lay supply minister. She and her young children lived in several southern Manitoba towns, Silverton, Belmont and Rapid City, as Dorrie served these charges. During several summers, she studied at St. Andrews College in Saskatoon leading to her ordination as United Church Minister in 1968. This was followed by churches in Manitou, Portage la Prairie and a three-year posting to Bermuda. She left Bermuda in 1990 for Brandon where lived until her death. Even after her return from Bermuda, she continued pulpit supply duties in southern Manitoba including Brandon, Hartney and Pilot Mound, often making the rounds in freezing weather and the occasional blizzard. She finally retired at age 81. Dorrie was an avid animal lover and supporter of the local Humane Society. She had a passion for music and had an extensive collection of classical music as well as attending as many of the Brandon Symphony Concerts as possible. Her other passions were her gardens and wildlife. She could name and describe a seemingly endless number of birds, trees and flowers. Her gardens, no matter the size, were immaculate and resplendent with colour. There was never a shortage of mouth-watering fresh garden vegetables for Sunday dinner. Dorrie is survived by a son, Clayton Darryl Archibald, a daughter, Leslie (John) Menzies, and four grandsons, Jordan (Holly), Adam, Hayden and Adrian, nephew Reagan Black (Ellen), niece Corinne Black and cousin Lynda (Peter) Blundell. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Alice Flook and sisters Sylvia Flook and Connie Black. The funeral service to honour Dorrie's life will be held at Central United Church, 327-8th Street, on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating. Interment will follow at the Riding Mountain Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her parents. Pallbearers will be grandsons Jordan, Adam and Adrian Menzies, nephew Reagan Black, son-in-law John Menzies and Mr. Sonny Moroz. Donations to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 4B-457-9th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4A9 or a charity of choice would be appreciated.