With profound sadness, our family announces the peaceful passing of Georgia Rae Vinkle, on October 28, 2025.
Born in Kirkland Lake on December 6, 1944, she was the first daughter and third of six children born to Ernie and Winnie Vinkle. The Vinkle family relocated to Atikokan in the early 1950s, and she grew up with her sister and brothers in the home their father built on Pine Crescent. Summers were spent making memories at the family cabin on Crystal Lake.
After graduating from Atikokan High School, she attended Ontario Business College in Port Arthur, Ontario. Her early career included time working at Abitibi Paper in Fort Frances and later at the bank in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, before returning to Atikokan.
She married Norman McQuaker of Stratton in 1969. Together, they had two children, Tanya Marie and Douglas Boyd. During this period, she worked at the CIBC, where she loved her job and the lifelong friendships she formed. They purchased the Vinkle family home on Pine Crescent from her parents, however the two eventually parted ways.
She had a diverse and successful career, working in banking, as a server at local restaurants, several years as the secretary/bookkeeper for B.R. Davidson Construction et. al., and many years at the front desk of the White Otter Inn, eventually becoming the manager. A tenacious lifelong learner, she earned a business diploma from Confederation College by attending night school while balancing work and raising kids. Later in life, driven by her passion for beauty and glamour, she returned to school and became a certified esthetician – she was very proud to open her own business in Atikokan. Wherever she was, she made good friends and lasting memories.
In 1988 she met Jack Miller, and they quickly became soulmates and best friends. They built their home on the Vinkle family property at Crystal Lake in the mid-90s. The two had so many adventures together, but their favourite place was Vegas, where they married in 2002. Jack sadly passed away in 2006, and Georgia missed him every single day, often telling their stories.
Georgia was a bright and colourful woman who led a bright and colourful life. A friend to all, she loved dogs, ducks, fashion, glamour, music, books, colourful characters and those who were not afraid of a challenge. She was a talented singer, and she loved to dance – always the first one on the dance floor and the last one off, often refusing to leave unless the DJ played her favourite song, just one more time! She was a firecracker – we all need a little Georgia in our soul!
She is lovingly remembered by her children Tanya (Tim) and Doug; her grandchildren Jessica, McKenna (Jacob) and Vance; her brothers Bob, Jim, Doug and Ray Vinkle, and her sister Elaine Armstrong, along with their families.
A memorial service will be held at the Riverview United Church in Atikokan on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Leader Dogs for the Blind, or your local Lions Club would be greatly appreciated.
