Isobel Pearl (Parkman) Binkley was born March 28, 1925 in Bowsman, Mb daughter of William (Bill) and Fairy (Young) Parkman.
The family resided in Gilbert Plains, Mb where Bill farmed with his dad and worked in a brick yard. After 2 years of frost, the family moved to Hudson Bay Junction in 1923 where Bill was employed by CNR. They moved to their homestead south of town in 1927. The Parkman family loved music and dancing. Isobel grew up with 4 brothers and 2 sisters. The children were responsible for chores while their dad worked in town, but also found time to play with their Cable cousins. Isobel attended Aspen Country School. After achieving her Grade 11, she enrolled in Saskatoon Business College. Isobel lived with a family on Clarence Avenue and performed housekeeping duties for her room and board. She fondly remembers walking across the University bridge to attend classes and later for work. It was while attending a parade of war veterans in downtown Saskatoon that she saw the familiar face of Elmer Binkley. Returning to Hudson Bay, Isobel worked in the L.I.D. office. During this time, a romance developed and Elmer & Isobel were married March 22, 1950. They lived in Etomami, farmed, and owned a country store and post office until it was destroyed by fire. During this time they began their family, Brian (1951), Jerry (1952), Bob (1959) and Glennys (1963).
The community of Etomami was a great place to raise a family. Elmer & Isobel loved visiting with their neighbours and attending dances at Etomami Hall. Isobel opened their home to all of the children in the area, was involved with the 4-H Club, and was known as an excellent seamstress and musician. Isobel also worked in Hudson Bay at the Post Office for many years.
As her children married, their spouses were welcomed into the fold. If you were not a card player, you soon became a card player. Sunday afternoons were spent around the oak claw foot table playing cards and later sharing a meal. The dishes couldn’t be cleaned up fast enough for mom, who wanted to get back into the card game and her daughters-in-law often caught her hiding the pots and pans in the porch so we could finish up sooner. The grandchildren enjoyed playing games and exploring the farmyard. There were always treasures to be found in the upper floor of the garage or the old barn. Isobel and Elmer remained on the acreage until Elmer’s poor health prompted their move into Churchill Place. Again, a great place to visit and play cards.
Isobel’s family meant the world to her. Each child, spouse, and grandchild received her never-ending love. She was very saddened with the loss of Elmer in 2002 and her son Bob in 2003. Bob’s fiancée, Kathleen remains a long-distance family member and her love for Isobel was always evident.
Isobel’s health prompted a move into Long Term Care. She made this transition with grace, and spent her remaining years with friends, and being cared for with kindness by the exceptional staff. She treasured every visit from family and friends.
Isobel was predeceased by her husband, Elmer (2002), son Bob (2003), grandchildren Teri Lynn (1980) and Robin (2014) as well as her siblings (Jack, Don, Gerald (Gerry), Richard (Dick) and Margaret (Peggy). She is survived by her children; Brian (Cindy), Jerry (Bev), Glennys and their children Keith, Chris, Trevor, Tyler, Jess, Jennifer, Nolan, Brittany and Sheldon and their families as well as her sister Evelyn and numerous nieces and nephews.