Mary "Myrtle" McGillivray (nee: Biswell)

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother/grandmother Mary “Myrtle” McGillivray on December 9, 2024, she was 102, just two days shy of her 103rd birthday. Myrtle was born in Kamloops, BC on December 11, 1921 to a pioneering family whose roots in the area trace back to the 1870’s. Myrtle lived a life filled with love, adventure and creativity. At a young age she contracted and survived Diphtheria. Through life she had numerous falls and fractures, once a dramatic fall from a horse, another in a fast-running stream. She got scars and scrapes and always said she was a tom boy and had nine lives.

Her first house was near Guerin creek on the way to Mission Flats. It was near the fort and the house was later torn down, the new buildings became the Autocourt, it also was later taken down. The family then moved to the 200 block Lansdowne next to the Wing family (Peter, later a mayor). Their modest rent was $15.00 a month. She then moved to 10th in Battle Street on New Year’s Day 1935. Their mortgage for the lot was $500.00. The house bought for $60.00 was moved from the Iron Mask Mine. It still stands today, expanded over the decades. Her family had a horse there and houses were just being built in that direction. Scott’s was a small place on the corner of 11th avenue. The Circus use to set up south of their house. Myrtle lived through the depression, said her family ate well as her dad worked for Burns Meat shop. She said it was hard to get work and men were riding the rails looking for jobs, she saw them from her house. In 1939 and after the War started, she said everyone got jobs. Her dad hired a horse with a shovel to start building a basement next door. She lived next door to her parents and on Battle Street for 87 years.

Myrtle had to wait until 7 years old to start school (December baby). She attended Stuart Wood, skipped 2 grades and later attended KSS and St. Ann’s Academy for a Commercial Course. She worked as secretary receptionist for Mr. S. Burton then his son Reg Burton for Kamloops Insurance Agency. The office was next door to the Commodore on Victoria Street. Myrtle continued to work at the Agency which was later purchased by Jack Gioma moving to 4th Avenue. She retired in her 50’s.

Myrtle married the love of her life John McGillivray August 24, 1949. Together they were passionate travelers, loved meeting up with their relatives in England and travelling through Scotland and Europe. She loved Hawaii, drove across Canada and back through the USA and travelled every year with her husband and family usually in August by car to the west coast and as far as California.

Her love of animals was evident to everyone who knew her. Her dog Kodi lived with her at home until she was 100. The neighbours saw Kodi pulling her down the street out for daily walks and occasionally had to come to her rescue. Myrtle remained fiercly independent driving until 90, she hated to give up her licence. Myrtle would tackle home maintenance projects. She would climb a ladder to change storm windows, navigated the steep basement stairs, despite her family’s concerns. She was a talented crafter, mastering sewing, crocheting, copper work and stain glass. Myrtle sang in the 1950’s she was in concerts at the Elks Hall on Seymour St and KSS. Her and her sister Thelma Bregoliss, family and friends were in shows Girl Crazy, Damn Yankees, and Oklahoma. She loved using sayings and quotes once listing over 200. For example, “Don’t cross a bridge until you come to it”, “C’est la vie” and “At the end of the road it is but death, so why hurry?”

Myrtle is survived by her loving daughter, Roxy Mansus and her cherished grandchildren, Michele (Marc) and Chris (Jen) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Johnny in 1990 and a grandchild Marny in 1987. Myrtle was known for her kindness, her joyful nature and her ability to bring light into any room. Her family will forever remember the special moments they shared with her.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral service. The family wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Howie and the dedicated Pinegrove staff for their excellent attention and care of “Myrt”. In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks those wishing to honour her memory may make a donation to a charity of one’s choice.

Rest in peace, Myrtle. You will be dearly missed, but your warmth, love and memory will remain in our hearts, always.