Pinder’s greatest accomlishment a private one, his family
SASKATOON — Herb Pinder was a decorated war veteran, led countless corporate and volunteer boards, and golfed scores below his age an incredible 89 times, but his children believe his greatest accomplishment was something much more personal.
Pinder died Thursday at St. Paul’s Hospital at the age of 91. He remained active until the end, donning his green scarf and driving himself last week to a University of Saskatchewan Huskies football game.
His children — Herb Jr., Dick, Patty, Tom and Gerry — said they’re most proud of his determination to keep his wife Shirley at home after she was stricken with Alzheimer’s Disease. He cared for her until her death seven years ago.
“While he had help, it was very important to him to keep her home and it was a huge effort as you might imagine,” Dick said on behalf of the family.
They call it their dad’s “finest hour,” as Pinder was a fan of iconic former British prime minister Winston Churchill.
Pinder was born in Saskatoon and studied at the U of S, where he starred in basketball, football and swimming. He enrolled in business administration at Harvard University and reached the rank of lieutenant commander aboard a destroyer in the Second World War.
Pinder returned to take over the family business, Pinder’s Drugs, which was sold to Shopper’s Drug Mart in 1992.
He chaired the U of S board of governors, served as provincial minister of Industry and Information for the Ross Thatcher Liberal government, and was recruited to countless corporate boards. He also played key roles for years with the Kinsmen Club, a national seniors golf association and other volunteer groups. In 1997, he received the Order of Canada.
Pinder spent winters in the San Diego area, golfing and socializing with a wide variety of friends. The flags at the Loma Santa Fe Country Club were lowered on news of his death.
Pinder’s intelligence and drive were evident from a young age, Dick said. He completed grades 4, 5 and 6 all in 12 months. That thirst for knowledge stayed with him: He read several newspapers each day and regularly traded biographies of historic figures with Herb Jr.
“He was a brilliant, a very strong personality and a very independent thinker,” Herb Jr. said.
Relatives said Pinder’s funeral will take place in Saskatoon, likely later this week.