Valerie Lita Hinz
July 30, 1956 – December 5, 2022

Valerie Lita Hinz, of Saskatoon, age 66, passed away on Monday December 5, 2022 at St. Paul’s Hospital.

Valerie was born on July 30, 1956 to Dorothy and Lewellyn Hinz, in Humboldt, SK. Valerie started school at St. Francis country school then moved to Muenster school where she continued through to complete high school. She attended University at St. Peter's College in Muenster for her first year of university then the University of Saskatchewan for her second year where she studied fine arts.

After University Valerie worked as a graphic artist at CFQC for 21 years where she gained many life-long friends.

Valerie was an outstanding artist, being recognized in Canada, the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. She excelled in the area of equine art, however she did a portrait of John Diefenbaker for the Diefenbaker Centre, as well as many commissions that included cattle, ranching scenes and wildlife. Valerie was the official artist for the Breeders Cup 2003 Thoroughbred race held in Santa Anita, California and for the Queens Plate 1999 held at Churchill Downs, Ontario. Valerie’s art was purchased by such people as Wayne Newton, Patrick Duffy and Robert Duval.

Valerie was a very humble person and not liking to have the spot light shining on her, she was one of Saskatchewan's best kept secrets. She received many awards of recognition for her art both at home and internationally. She was often referred to as the Queen of Light.

She was a lover of animals, especially horses, dogs and rabbits. She loved all things in nature, especially plants, trees and flowers. She enjoyed working in her yard and created a place of beauty. On a personal level she loved Arabian Horses and owned and showed them for many years.

Valerie married the love of her life, Glen Gilchrist on August 13, 2013, after which they enjoyed a trip to Africa.

Valerie was predeceased by: her father, Lewellyn Hinz; Grandparents Joseph and Rose Hinz; Grandparents Henry and Thersa Tebbe as well as many uncles and aunts; her father-in-law and mother-in-law Jack and Elsie Gilchrist; her sister-in-law Dawn Gilchrist.

Valerie is survived by: her husband Glen Gilchrist; her mother Dorothy Hinz; her sister Cheryl (Lloyd) Hartl their children Robin (Jason) Hartl, Renee (Chris) Altrogge; sister Lavonne Parker her children and grandchildren Ian (Christina) Parker daughter Gracie Parker, Christel (Isaiah) Parker Chase and children Bo and Neve, Dustin Parker and children Ryan and Selina; brother Keith (Lori) Hinz their children Jared

(Gracie) Hinz, Alyssa (Kyle) Hinz and Jennifer (Owen) Hinz .; sister-in-law Lorraine Gilchrist (Bob McTavish).

A Celebration of Valerie’s Life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 12, 2022, at Acadia Funeral Chapel (915 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon, SK). For those unable to attend please visit www.faithproductions.ca/livestream to view the service. Burial to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Saskatoon. Arrangements entrusted to Chelsea Krentz – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200. To share memories of Valerie or send condolences please visit www.mourningglory.ca