ESTEVAN — Amanda Minchin is being remembered as someone who found many ways to serve the people of Estevan.
Minchin, who was the head pro and general manager of the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course, died May 27 at the age of 44 after a battle with cancer. She was also a member of the Estevan Fire Rescue Service and involved with a number of boards and organizations in the community. Tributes have been coming in since her death.
"Always the second mom"
Her brother Michael – the oldest of her siblings – said he talked to her regularly and saw her a few times a year, even though he now lives in the Red Deer, Alta., area. The visits increased after she was diagnosed with cancer.
“She was a great sister. There’s a bit of an age difference. There’s about 10 years age difference between us. I always felt she was the more grown up. She was always the second mom and worried about everybody in the family and she was always taking care of everybody.”
Since his sister’s death, people in the community have been providing their condolences and offering to do anything they can to help with her funeral. Michael said he is “eternally grateful” for things that the community did for her and the Minchin family over the past 18 months while she fought cancer, with multiple fundraisers and other community efforts.
“It’s been quite overwhelming the level of support and love the community had for Amanda, and I’m quite blessed to have a sister who was so cherished by the community.”
She was so committed to the golf course, the Estevan Bruins and the fire department and other ventures, he said. Michael said he was a bit surprised when she joined the fire department several years ago, but she was committed to her new way to serve the community.
"Passing through all her courses and getting past probationary level, she was really proud of that," he said.
And while she loved softball and still played hockey, Michael said golf was her constant.
“Life. Well Played”
Alanah Wollner, the golf course’s interim general manager, said she knew Amanda Minchin for more than 30 years. Wollner recalled Minchin hired her as TS&M Woodlawn's finance manager in 2018, and from that day forward they worked side by side.
“Over the years, our professional relationship grew into a close friendship. She became not only my boss, but one of my dearest friends,” said Wollner.
The two shared countless hours working together – solving challenges, celebrating successes and supporting one another.
Wollner credited Minchin for teaching her so much about golf, leadership, member engagement, teamwork and striving for excellence in everything.
“She had an incredible work ethic and inspired everyone around her to be their best. She created a culture at the golf course that was more like a family than a workplace," said Wollner.
Having the opportunity to be in Minchin’s presence was truly a gift, Wollner said.
“Professionally, she set the standard for excellence and led by example. Personally, she was a loyal friend who genuinely cared about people. Amanda had an incredible ability to make others laugh, feel appreciated and loved.”
The golf course was Minchin’s home. She grew up in Estevan, and she took tremendous pride in leading the course in the community she loved.
“The members were her extended family, and the staff were her team in every sense of the word.”
Wollner echoed a saying golfers have: “Life. Well Played”, and Wollner believes that is how Minchin should be remembered.
New tribute at the course
Club president Mark Spencer said he knew Minchin for around 20 years, describing her as one of his best friends, and adding he loved their pro-am trips, or time spent golfing and practicing.
“I just loved to hang out with her. We had so many great times and memories I will cherish forever," he said.
They met while playing golf together, and Spencer said he remembered thinking how fun and kind she was, while being an amazing golfer.
“She also loved to outdrive me and let me know,” said Spencer.
They met when Minchin was an assistant pro at the golf course. She then became the head pro in 2015 and the general manager three years later.
“She was an incredible leader and loved getting to work every day with her friends, and it truly showed with some of her amazing and cherished friendships.”
Prior to her death, the golf course unveiled a sign and named the pro shop the Amanda Minchin Golf Shop in her honour.
“Her longtime co-workers and friends were able to share that experience with her. She loved her sign!” Spencer said.
Minchin hired Spencer’s son when he was around 12 years old, becoming his boss in addition to a golf coach, friend and role model.
“My daughter started working for her last summer. I'm so happy she got to spend that time with Amanda. She loved being around her so much.
Junior golfers were always Minchin's favourite part of the job, Spencer said. They brought a smile to her face, and so many people are grateful she was part of their lives.
Tributes pour in
Minchin was born and raised in Estevan, and grew up playing all kinds of sports. She started working at the golf course as a teen and joined the golf program at the Estevan Comprehensive School. She played NCAA Division 1 golf at Eastern Illinois University, where she studied kinesiology.
She turned pro after graduating from university and spent time on tours before returning to Estevan.
In 2021, she was one of 29 head professionals in Canada at the time, and one of the few to hold the head pro and GM title.
She also picked up numerous provincial and national honours, including the PGA of Canada’s Jack McLaughlin Junior Leader of the Year in 2016.
Tributes poured in on social media after her death. The PGA of Canada said it was "devastated and heartbroken" to learn of her passing.
“One of the most passionate and professional people in the industry, Amanda will be deeply missed. Our condolences go out to Amanda’s friends and family.”
Golf Saskatchewan added the game is better because of her.
The City of Estevan applauded Minchin for not only her work with the fire department, but described her as “a dedicated community member, a teammate, a friend and someone who stepped forward to help others when they needed it most."
Estevan Softball Association called her “one of the most incredible female athletes” Estevan has produced.
“Amanda Minchin was adored by everyone who knew her. Some of us were lucky enough to know Amanda our whole lives. She excelled at every sport she played, from softball, with her dad Earl coaching, to hockey and most obviously her golf career where she achieved so much success and accolades.
“As great an athlete as she was, she was so much more than that; so kind, passionate, and such a great friend, daughter and sister.”
A celebration of Minchin's life will be held at the Wylie-Mitchell Building in Estevan on June 5 at 1:30 p.m.
