(above) Sharon Wynne with photos of all the divisional leaders she has worked with over her almost 55 years of service

When Sharon Wynne was 14, she visited The Salvation Army’s divisional headquarters in downtown Winnipeg, where she bumped into Lt-Colonel Arthur Moulton, then divisional commander.

“I told him, ‘I plan to work here one day!’ ” she smiles now.

True to her promise, Sharon indeed started work at divisional headquarters on November 6, 1967—and she’s still at her post almost 55 years later.

Family Ties

Sharon is the executive assistant (“Back then, it was called secretary,” she says) to the divisional commander and the divisional director of women’s ministries. It’s the only position she has ever held.

“I might as well start and finish here,” she says.

Sharon has now worked with 15 divisional commanders

“Every one of them has been wonderful to work with and every one of them has made an impact on my life,” she states. 

“Unique for me is the fact I started employment with The Salvation Army with Brigadier Basil Meakings. Five divisional commanders later, I worked for his son, Lt-Colonel Bram Meakings, and I am now working with Brigadier Meakings’ granddaughter, Lt-Colonel Lynn Armstrong. How cool is that?”

One Position, 15 Jobs

Over the course of her decades-long career, Sharon has graduated from manual typewriters to personal computers, which she has done with efficiency and aplomb. But she feels the true secret to her success is how she has worked with successive bosses.

“When a new divisional commander starts, I’m careful not to say, ‘We did it this way,’ ” she explains. “I treat every appointment like it’s my first day on the job, because it’s a new officer. They have their own style of leading, so I observe and try to fit into their style of leadership. In many ways, I feel as if I have had 15 different jobs. I haven’t had a problem with anyone, and hopefully they didn’t with me.” 

“I’m Happy”

With such an impressive resumé, Sharon could have parlayed her experience anywhere in the secular world. Why was the Army where she was meant to be?

“I love The Salvation Army,” she replies. “It’s in my blood, which I think is yellow, red and blue!”

Sharon was born into the Army; her grandparents and parents were Salvationists and, from the time that she became a soldier at the age of 14, she knew that the Army was for her. 

“It just came naturally. And working in a Salvation Army atmosphere has meant a lot to me,” she continues. “It has helped in my own Christian growth and in my witness to those who may not be people of faith. I’ve always tried to live my life the way I feel a Christian should live.

“I could have changed jobs over the years, but I’m so content,” she says. “I love Mondays, and I look forward to coming in to work, even after having been on vacation. I’m just happy here.”

What the Future Holds

Sharon and her husband, Ted, have three children, two of whom are Salvation Army officers. Soldiers themselves, they attend Heritage Park Temple in Winnipeg.

Their youngest daughter, Captain Jaclyn Wynne, was commissioned in June 2011 and is now ministering in the Prairie Division at Estevan Community Church—Circuit with Weyburn, Sask., while their oldest daughter, Lieutenant Linda Kean, was commissioned this past June after serving as an auxiliary-captain with her husband, Major Byron, in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L., where they are still.

“Our son, John, lives in Winnipeg and is always there when we need him,” Sharon says. 

This past June, Sharon and Ted celebrated 54 years of marriage.

“Ted was and is always supportive of my desire to continue working for The Salvation Army,” she says. “Without his love and support, I likely would not be working here today.”

Sharon has no plans to retire any time soon. 

“I don’t know what the future holds for me,” she goes on to say, “but I do know who holds the future, and this resonates with Jeremiah 29:11, my favourite Bible verse.”

Comment

On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, Major Sharon Stinka said:

Sharon, I recall in 1972 when I was a Candidate Assistant at North Winnipeg, I was seconded for a few months at DHQ working for the DYS. You were so helpful and supportive during that time. You are one of the Salvation Army’s greatest resources. Congratulations!

On Friday, October 21, 2022, Brenda Holnbeck said:

Sharon- I join so many others that you have served with in being thankful for your life, your faithfulness to your Lord and the Army, your steadfastness, loyalty and commitment in working with so many leaders and salvationists in Winnipeg and beyond. Fond memories of the four years I shared with you & Ted,& your family & the Heritage Park Temple family. God bless you. Hi to Ted and your family.🙏

On Thursday, October 20, 2022, Debbie Clarke said:

Congratulations Sharon! I have been blessed to work along side you for many years. Thank you for your faithfulness, compassion, and willingness to go the extra mile when someone needs you. I am blessed to also call you "family".

On Thursday, October 20, 2022, James Read said:

Would that all of us Salvationists were the kind of in-the-workplace examples of Christianity that Sharon Wynne continues to be. Thank you, Sharon!

On Thursday, October 20, 2022, Rose Amer said:

Congratulations Sharon. I might not be able to work 55 years like you due to my age, but I am planning on working for the army until I die or Lord returns. God bless you!

On Thursday, October 20, 2022, Barbara Sanjivi said:

Hi Sharon. I can attest to the fact that you were always a support not only to the D.C.’s but also to the Officers when they popped in to DHQ. Thank you for your service. Blessings

On Thursday, October 20, 2022, Major Gerald (Gary) Reilly said:

Congratulations Sharon. Prairie Division Officers have been blessed by your dedication (including those in exile).

On Tuesday, October 18, 2022, Ronald Bagshaw said:

Good to know that 'The Salvationist' sought you out, SHARON, for a feature article. Over the years, DONNA has often reminded me of your always being there @ DHQ and, still, you "soldier on"! A curiosity from your relating of your history; among others, you have had many "Meakings meetings"! Our LORD continue to be with YOU, and TED!

On Saturday, October 15, 2022, Aimee Patterson said:

Well done, Sharon!!

On Friday, October 14, 2022, Winn Blackman said:

A well deserved recognition of 55 years of exemplary service both to her Lord and Saviour and the Salvation Army! Loyal, faithful, confidential, good work ethic and a great sense of humour! Congratulations!

On Friday, October 14, 2022, Major Winn Blackman said:

I’m so proud of my sister who is an excellent example of a true soldier of Jesus Christ. She is faithful, loyal and has a great work ethic. The SA has been blessed to have her work as an executive assistant for 55 years. Congratulations!

On Friday, October 14, 2022, Shayne Stanton said:

As someone who apparently knows her daughter and having met her at DHQ when I was there once or twice, it is great to hear that she has been there for such a long time. She is definitely a very outgoing and amazing person. Congrats at the long service there.

On Friday, October 14, 2022, Boris Kolisnyk said:

As Chair of the Salvation Army Winnipeg Advisory Board, I count on Sharon a lot and bother her often. In fact I just stopped in to see her today. Always the same bright smile and willing to help in any way. I can only hope that Sharon has no plans to retire anytime soon.

On Friday, October 14, 2022, Jennifer Hahn said:

She is a great person. Congratulations and God bless! Linda and Jackie are great too. just a wonderful family.

On Friday, October 14, 2022, Jaclyn Wynne said:

I’m so proud of my mum! She has always served with integrity and love. To me she is a great example of loyalty and faithfulness!

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