Minnie Clara (Netro) Barendregt

Minnie Clara Netro was born on December 31, 1944 in Old Crow, Yukon to Joseph and Hannah Netro.  She was the 3rd of 14 children and was raised surrounded by her grandparents, aunts, uncles and other elders.  It was through them that she learned the traditional ways of the Vuntut Gwitchin, People of the Lakes.  Minnie left Old Crow to attend school in Inuvik and Fort McPherson.  Her father was a fur trader and owned and operated the only store in Old Crow and when she returned home from school, she worked there as a cashier and did the office work.  She later returned to school and completed a secretarial course.

In 1974 Minnie made Smithers her home.  She was very intelligent and articulate and had a strong work ethic which carried her through the many years she worked at the Smithers Hospital as an admitting clerk.  Through her kindness and compassion she ensured that each patient was well looked after and through the many years of her career she built many trusting relationships.  Minnie was known to be unflappable and displayed grace under pressure in the most challenging of circumstances while performing her duties. 

Minnie will be sadly missed by her children, Rick (Tammy Kolida), Ramona (Robert) DenBoer; grandchildren, Jolene, Candice, Brandon, Daniel, Rikki; great granddaughter Aylah; sisters Josephine Fehr, Katherine Nukon, Elsie Hume, Beverley Bingham (Bruce), Gladys Netro, Linda Netro; brother Bobby Netro; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Funeral Service was held on November 2nd in St. James Anglican Church as well as a service in Old Crow in the Yukon.

 Service Information