January 5th, 1938 - April 18th, 2016
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our wonderful
Mother, Nana, cousin, and dear friend, Marilyn Harris.
Marilyn was born and raised in Kerrisdale, Vancouver; living with her parents Joe
and Agnus Frew(Hamilton). Marilyn spent her childhood and youth in
Vancouver, with much of her summers spent on Bowen Island. She graduated
from Kitsilano High School in 1956. Marilyn’s youth included: singing, ice skating,
swimming, field hockey, and Job’s Daughters organization.
Bowen Island was a second home for the family, with Marilyn coming to stay at
Miller’s Landing in a baby basket as early as the spring of 1938. Marilyn loved her
summers at Bowen, enjoying swimming and life guarding at Miller’s Landing,
weekend dances, and exploring the Island with her friends. In 1954, Marilyn’s
parents bought a small cottage from family in Miller`s Landing; and in 1961 a
MacMillan Bloedel sample home was built on the site.
Marilyn met her future husband Donald Harris on Bowen Island, and they were
later married in 1959. In 1962, they celebrated the arrival of their first son Bruce,
followed by Scott in 1964, and Sandra in 1968. The early years found the family
living in a logging camp on Vancouver Island, then living a few years in Port
Alberni, and finally settling in Eagle Harbour, West Vancouver. Marilyn loved life in
Eagle Harbour; with daily visits to the beach, park, community school, and the
many lifetime friends she made in the community. In 1988, Marilyn both called
Bowen Island her fulltime home and she rekindled an old friendship with Alan
Davidson. They enjoyed their twilight years on Bowen together until his passing
in 2001. Marilyn and Al’s, retirement years included visiting with their many
circles of friends.
Marilyn’s working career, included reservations for Air Canada, and the roles of
librarian assistant and secretary throughout West Vancouver, with a majority of
time spent at Hillside Secondary School. Marilyn loved supporting the staff and
youth at Hillside, also providing medical assistance as needed.
Marilyn had many activities she enjoyed, including: reading, playing piano,
cooking and baking, sewing, knitting, gardening, golf, tennis, long walks, and
sunny days on her deck. She was always social, a great listener, loved her visits
with friends and family. She loved a great story, and could often be found
laughing and enjoying life. Marilyn also loved animals, and in her later years on
Bowen, she would be seen walking her dogs Taffey and Nellie.
Music and singing was always a big part of Marilyn’s life. Performing with the BC
Telus choir, member of various church choirs, and the Bowen Community Choir
in 2014. Marilyn loved playing and singing music, both classical and pop.
Marilyn loved to travel, and 1976, she set out on a summer long cross continent
journey driving her family to 1976 Montreal Olympics and the American
Bicentennial. She also enjoyed many trips with friends or family including
Scotland and Europe with Sandra. After retirement, Al and Marilyn would enjoy
boating with friends to places like Desolation Sound, and an annual trip to Maui.
Marilyn had an extensive volunteer spirit which spanned her whole life including
Bowen. Early years had her canvassing every month, teaching swimming to
children with physical challenges, volunteer at Expo 86, board member for
Abbyfield House (assisted living residence for local seniors), member of Bowen
Island Health Committee (heart health, Breast Exam Clinics, Well-Baby Clinics),
many Church fundraisers, and at the annual People, Place and Plant Tours.
Marilyn also initiated and coordinated the Better Meals program. In 2002,
Marilyn was named Bowen Island’s Citizen of the Year; honoring her significant
contributions to the Bowen Island community.
Over the past 4 years, Marilyn graciously navigated her early days with
was able to maintain her loving and positive personality. Marilyn enjoyed an active
life going to the various seniors programs on Bowen and in West Vancouver.
We want to extend our gratitude to Silvina, and the VCH caring Angels; who all
provide exceptional care and compassion to mom over the past few years.
Marilyn Harris was a hardworking and superb mother to her children, a great
daughter, a loving wife and partner, and a compassionate and committed friend.
Marilyn is survived by her son Bruce, daughter Sandra(Geordie), granddaughter
Paige, cousins, family dog Nellie, and pre-deceased by her son Scott. Marilyn is
also survived by an extraordinary wide circle of close loving friends. You will be
forever in our hearts Mom!
A Memorial service and Celebration of Life will be held at the Bowen Island
United Church on June 5th at 2:00pm with a reception to follow. In lieu of
flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Society or charity of choice.
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