Marian May Gibbons

Marian was born in Edmonton, Alberta in 1935 to Robert and Alice Muir. The eldest of five children, she grew up in Powell River/Westview B.C. where she was active in sports and music and worked at her father’s hardware store. Marian was married in 1957 and raised her family with love, music, literature, excellent cooking and lots of time in the great out-doors. She received her teaching degree from the University of British Columbia, and was a highly regarded teacher and librarian for many years in the North Vancouver School district. From a colleague: “As a librarian, Marian was the BEST of them all! Her library at Maplewood School was “tops” in the district as a result of her innate insight and impeccable taste and knowledge. A child could select any book from the shelf and it would be perfect!” In younger times Marian loved skiing, tennis, backpacking and bridge. She pursued all her activities with vigour. It was with nature and in the mountains where she found her peace. In 1985 she and her sister, Maxine (Micki), trekked for 28 days in Nepal to within close view of Mount Everest. Every summer for decades Marian made her way to the Rockies to hike in the backcountry with her mountain friends. She was known for her “encyclopaedic” knowledge of birds and wildflowers. Marian had a keen wit, a creative mind and was a lover of the arts. She was a critical thinker, poet and a voracious reader. Marian grew up playing piano and possessed a deep love and knowledge of classical music. She saw her first opera at age 12 with her sister. The two formed a life long love of opera, travelling together to many places to see their favourites. A member of the Vancouver Opera Association and the Chamber Music Society, Marian was on her way to a music event at least a couple of times a week.

Marian is survived by her daughter Karen, son Geoff (Siggy), sister Micki (Mike), brothers Terry and Ken (Sue), granddaughter Amy and many nieces and nephews. Marian was pre-deceased by her brother Doug (Avis) and her grandson Adrian.

She will be remembered with love by all.

A Celebration of Marian’s life will be held on March 2, 2019 at 2PM at North Shore Unitarian Church, 370 Mathers Avenue, West Vancouver.

Memorial donations may be made to the Arthritis Society at www.arthritis.ca or 393 University Avenue, Suite 1700, Toronto, ON M5G 1E6.