(Sept. 23, 1940 to Oct. 2, 2004)
It is with the greatest love and honour that we pay tribute to the life of a wonderful daughter and sister. Marilyn Irene McClinton (nee McCalder), beloved daughter of Ruby and the late Douglas McCalder of Rivercrest, West St. Paul, Manitoba, ran her last marathon on October 2, 2004.
During her life Marilyn was driven by her passions for reading, teaching, hiking, skiing, running, photography and being the first figure skating groupie of her generation. She positively affected so many young people and parents on the importance of reading, especially during the 15 years she owned and operated "Muffy Two A Children’s Place" bookstore while teaching young minds. Her love of the outdoors was contagious and shared with many on her adventures to Lake Louise, Banff, Mount Baker, Lake O’Hara, Hemlock, and Long Beach, Vancouver Island to name a few.
Marilyn’s passion for learning led her to attend the Manitoba Teachers’ College, the University of Saskatchewan, and the University of Calgary in pursuit of B.A., B.Ed., and M.Ed. degrees. Learning and education were a way of life for Marilyn as evidenced by her teaching in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Calgary and High River, Alberta, and Burnaby and Mission, B.C. She touched the lives of countless numbers of children whether through her work or her volunteerism, most recently the 2004 B.C. Summer Games.
Marilyn’s spirit and legacy lives on through her mother Ruby McCalder, her husband Barry McClinton, her brother Brian McCalder (Nancy McLaren), sister Sharon Yackel (Royce), sister Elaine Hardie (Dave), brother Allan McCalder (Nancy), nephew Ryan Yackel (Keri), nieces Andrea Glenn and Melissa Hardie, nephews Ian and Sean McCalder, great niece Emily Glenn, and her faithful and loving dog Luke.
Marilyn’s family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the many wonderful people who helped her through her last run. This includes many supportive family members, friends and neighbours. A very special thank you goes out to Edith Warner (cousin and friend), Dr. Michael Bale, the MSA Hospital staff on 2 East and 3 West, Dr. Lynn Kobierski, Dr. Norris of the Surrey Cancer Clinic and the volunteer drivers with the Cancer Society.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Marilyn’s extraordinary life on Thursday, October 7, 2004 at 4:00 PM at Henderson’s Fraser Valley Funeral Home (34537 Marshall Road, Abbotsford). As cremation has taken place, it is Marilyn’s wish that in lieu of flowers you are invited to make a donation to the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held in Winnipeg at a date to be announced.
Marilyn’s presence in the lives of her family was indeed an honour. She blazed a trial for the rest of us to aspire toward and follow in our own ways. She taught us well and we ask that when you think of Marilyn, remember this:
"A teacher is someone who takes your hand, opens your minds, and touches your heart."
HENDERSON'S FUNERAL HOME 604-854-5534