MARSDEN DON FENWICK

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

• To Susan and family my sincere sympathies to you all, Marsden and I were roommates at Concordia for a week. Even though we only spent a week together, at the end of our stay together it seemed like I knew him all of my life. He was the best roommate you could ever have and we just clicked. We shared life stories and he was always positive and very encouraging. We looked out for each other and had a great time together. I will never forget him. RIP Marsden. - Posted by: Murray Beyette (Friend ) on: Jan 25, 2021

• Dear Susan. Here are some Marsden memories that I shall always cherish. First sincere and heartfelt condolences go to you and the entire Fenwick family. Marsden was an amazing individual and a wonderful friend, not only to me but also to my immediate and extended family. My late twin brother Jim and I first met Marsden at Camp Stephens in the early 1950s and perhaps my earliest memory of him was when he threw me over his shoulder while wrestling near the camp front dock. At the time, it was alleged he had had some “self-defense training.” I was surprised and very clearly impressed! In university, my brother Jim began dating Janet Brock, one of Susan Sharp’s closest childhood friends (and neighbors). Consequently, he got to know Marsden much better than I. They became close friends and Jim became a resource for such topics as computer-related matters and (I suspect) for repairing things around the house. In the early 1990’s, having spent most of my professional life in the US, my acquaintance and friendship with Marsden was renewed during twin brother Jim’s terminal illness. Marsden’s attentiveness and caring nature were fully manifested during that time with an intensity and sincerity that at first surprised me until I realized this was his just “being Marsden.” He looked out for the family after Jim’s death and both Marsden and Susan became an important source of comfort for Jim’s widow, Janet. Almost twenty years later when my wife Deanna passed away, Janet and her family became an important source of comfort to me, and Marsden again became a much-appreciated part of that support network. Biblical traditions aside, the fates subsequently joined Janet and I together in holy matrimony, with Marsden as a key participant in our wedding. Our friendship grew from then on and I began to realize more fully Marsden’s extensive involvement in the Winnipeg and Manitoba community and the many loyal friends he had developed over the years. Again, his devotion and caring for others is the lasting legacy that I shall remember (in addition perhaps to his being able throw me over his shoulder). John Wright and family Pikesville, MD - Posted by: John R Wright (Friend) on: Jan 24, 2021

• I left Winnipeg in the early 60s but we kept in touch through all my different locations and if he was in the neighbourhood, there was always time for a coffee or the occasional meal. We all lost a good man. RIP friend.......! - Posted by: David Currie (Friend) on: Jan 24, 2021

• We have such fond memories of time spent with Marsden and Susan over the years that we lived in Winnipeg. Time passes, but memories are forever. Rest In Peace Marsden. - Posted by: Victoria and Paul Hardy (Friends) on: Jan 23, 2021

• I knew Marsden best of all from the time we were both frequent noon hour visitors to the Winnipeg Winter Club. It is hard when thinking of Marsden to put anything ahead of what an all round great person he was, how his face would light up, his warmth, but what I remember best about him is how smart, how intuitive, he was and the respect older, successful, business people showed him and how they would seek him out and ask for his thoughts on everything from the market, to real estate, to political issues. I'm not surprised to read he spent the latter of his career investing and I've no doubt he was a great success. Penny joins in sending our sympathy to Susan and all of the family. - Posted by: Sheldon M Bowles (Friend ) on: Jan 23, 2021

• Running into Marsden was an expected and wonderful part of being at the Winter Club back in the day, and my memory is that he was always smiling and took the time to joke and chat with everyone, treating the adults and kids alike. He was very popular at the Club, with good reason (and I recall years later Gus Leach telling me that Marsden was also a top-notch chef!) A terrific life, well-lived. Eamon Egan, Philadelphia - Posted by: Eamon Egan (Friend ) on: Jan 23, 2021

• I have so many memories of Marsden. One of most cherish memory was the toast at my wedding. Always hanging around Susan and Marsden at Whytewold, he try to get rid of me by telling to watch the submarines races. Also he bringing the grocery from Winnipeg on Fridays. He never tired of the songs we sang me with itsy Betsy tennie weenie yellow polka dot bikini, Darcy with Dominique. Again my condolences on your loss Kelly McKeag - Posted by: Kelly McKeag (Friend) on: Jan 23, 2021

• Dear Susan, David, Nancy, Jane and all the Fenwick family. I will always remember Marsden with great fondness. Most notably at Whytewold, when he would arrive on a Friday night. I knew the weekend had begun when he arrived, walking down that long side walk to the cottage. First the old one, then the lovely new one and each year, more little Fenwick kids would run out to greet him. David in diapers waddling along, Nancy always dressed with some where to go and Jane in her bathing suit and lots of sand. He would greet every one with great enthusiasm though I am sure he was tired after a long week. Sunday would come around and then Monday morning back to work. One early Monday morning I recall better than others, no idea why, was the time Marsden could not get his car started. I believe he had fueled up at the top of the street in Whytewold and there was water in the fuel......not good for the car. What a start to his week. UGH!! Through the years our lives got busy and we did not see Marsden and Susan as much but always a good catch up conversation when we did. I know my parents always enjoyed seeing Marsden and Susan and hearing about what the kids were up to and what adventures everyone was going on. He will be missed and cherished by so many. A hui hou Marsden...... From all of us, Donna, Sidney and Arthur, our deepest condolences Susan and to all the family. - Posted by: Sidney Macaw (long ago family friend) on: Jan 23, 2021

• I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Marsden, but two stand out. Once at Whytewold, my family and I were watching a suspenseful movie on CBC. At one moment Marsden came along and shouted boo through the window, we all jumped about a foot. Laughed about it for years. He also helped me learn to waterski. Lots of patience needed. Again my condolences on your loss - Posted by: Janis McKeag (Friend) on: Jan 23, 2021

• Sending Aloha hugs to Susan + beautiful family - cherish the wonderful memories always. love and sympathy, Cathy & Paul Surowiec - Posted by: Cathy Surowiec (Friend ) on: Jan 23, 2021