It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Deborah Hindle on May 21st, 2025. She died peacefully in her home, at the age of 72, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born on February 1st, 1953, to Reginald and Doreen Ford (Reg and Red) in Fort William, Ontario, where she spent most of her life in the community she loved. Together with her husband, Bruce Hindle, they built a life filled with family, friends and hard work. After meeting while working together at the Port Arthur Brew Pub, they married in 1990 and shortly after opened Crystal Beach Roadhouse, which was their passion for 23 years. Even after closing, their love for hospitality continued as they went on to work side by side at Portside Restaurant.
Debbie suited the hospitality industry perfectly. She spoke to everyone like they were a friend whether she knew you or not. She had a knack of being able to find out everything about you during one meal. If you were travelling, she knew where you were from, where you were going, how many kids you had and where you went to high school. If you were a regular, she knew what you wanted before asking and you knew not to ask her for coffee on a busy Sunday morning because she’d remind you where the pot was and to pour everyone else some, too. She loved baking for the restaurant and there were always desserts on hand, from pies and cheesecakes to her absolutely legendary butter tarts.
Time spent at camp at Amethyst Beach was among Debbie’s greatest pleasures - hosting and attending gatherings, sharing laughs and creating lasting memories with those she loved most. She also loved to simply relax in her spot on the couch with a glass of wine, light some candles and look out at the harbour. Deb had a passion for volleyball, reading, gardening, baking and spending time with friends. She also had a love for decorating her home and yard which stemmed from watching her favourite shows on the Home Network and shopping at her beloved IKEA. She and Bruce loved to travel to warm sunny places, visiting many places in the Caribbean but Mexico was her favourite. She always brought home beautiful mementos to add to her homes’ decor.
Debbie will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Kelly Oshimo (Eric Nolan) and Kristi (Mike Judge), as well as by her cherished grandsons Riley, Adam, Henry and Bailey who brought immense joy and pride to her life. She is also survived by her devoted sisters Susan (George Letowski) and Jill (Teddy Ward), sisters-in-law Kathy Godfred and Cynthia Rennick, along with many nieces and nephews, a wide circle of extended family and numerous friends whom she treasured dearly. Debbie is predeceased by her husband Bruce, parents Reg and Red and sister-in-law Diane Brown.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Debbie’s vast team of doctors and nurses at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, the wonderful VON nurses and all the home care workers whose compassion and support meant so very much. A very special thank you to Dr. Kevin Bezanson and his team, whose warmth, compassion and kindness have been a light for Deb and her family through the years. You have been a source of strength for her, and we will be forever grateful.
A celebration of Debbie’s life will take place later this summer, when the gardens she so loved will be in full bloom. In her memory, the family invites you to plant something beautiful this spring, in a place that brings you peace to help remind us of her warmth, strength and love.
Debbie leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and laughter. She was spirited, out-spoken, kind, generous and truly loved by all who were lucky enough to know her.
Deb will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts.
In lieu of sending flowers, donations would be welcomed in Debbie’s name to the Palliative Care Fund at TBRHSC, the VON or a cancer support organization of your choice.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
