Tribute

Marion passed away peacefully at McKinney Place with daughter Sherry of Osoyoos at her side.  She also leaves behind her son Mel (Brenda), grandchildren Christy, Melville (Louise) and Erin, and two great-grandchildren all of Calgary, Alberta; brother Chris Yavis (Helen) in Fredericton, NB; and extended family and friends across Canada.  Predeceased by her husband Mel in 2008 after 63 years of marriage, and by her brothers George, Rollie and Jim Yavis.

Born in Hanna, Alberta and raised in Drumheller with four brothers, Marion learned how to be independent and simply accepted that she could do all the things they did.  If something interested her or offered an opportunity to learn, she did not let being a woman get in the way.  From travel in her younger years and taking flying lessons, to helping build a 35 foot wooden boat, learning some carpentry and how to mix cement in the late 1940s – she tried it all.  And as a homemaker, Marion was known for her great baking skills and could create anything with a sewing machine without a pattern!  She was an amazing lady who instilled this same strength and self-confidence into her children.

Marion married Mel in 1945.  As a military wife, she raised her family across BC, Alberta and Manitoba finally settling back in BC in 1966 when he retired.  A move to Vancouver Island in the late 70’s led to Marion engaging in a new interest in the real estate market.  She took the realtor course as she approached 60 years of age and followed that some years later by also passing the brokers exam.  After a successful career in real estate in Victoria, Marion and Mel moved to Osoyoos in the fall of 1993 to be closer to family.

Having time to relax and enjoy nature again, especially birding, Marion joined both the North American Bluebird Society and the Southern Interior Bluebird Trail Society.  Through these organizations she met many new lifelong friends travelling each year to conferences across Canada and the US.  She served as volunteer secretary-treasurer of SIBTS for many years until failing eyesight no longer allowed her to continue work on the computer.  In 2014 she was presented with the Gary Lelliott Memorial Award for outstanding contribution to the field of bluebird conservation by SIBTS.

The family would like to thank Dr. Tarr and the helpful staff and caregivers at McKinney Place for making the last months comfortable for Marion.  She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Desert Valley Hospice Society at Box 1261, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 or a charity of your choice.

No service at her request.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com

Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos.