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BILL MARR Obituary pic BILL MARR Obituary pic

BILL MARR

Born: Dec 30, 1933

Date of Passing: Sep 07, 2017

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BILL MARR December 30, 1933 September 7, 2017 On September 7, 2017, Bill Marr died at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital, in Kenora, Ontario. He is fondly remembered by his wife and best friend of 60 years, Norah (Collins), his son Bill (Debra and children, Gabriella, Alessandra and Sebastian), son Glenn (Nathalie and son Aidan), son Geoff and son Peter (children, Justin, Kristin, Logan and Morgan). He was predeceased by daughter Nancy, in 1979. His sister Bette Stout resides in Kenora. Bill was born in Winnipeg on December 30, 1933 to parents, Bill and Dorothy Marr. The family moved to Kenora when Bill was 11 years old and he instantly immersed himself in town life and the Lake. Following school in Kenora where he enjoyed the music program and Barbershop Quartet, he attended the University of Manitoba earning a Commerce degree. During the summers he oversaw operations at North Star Dock, providing gas and boat taxi services. After University he founded Marr's Marine with his partner Al (Didi) Engstrom in 1957, in Kenora. Many a boat and motor was bought and serviced in the blue building on the Lake at the foot of Main Street. Expansion led to the wholesale distribution business, resulting in a move to Winnipeg where he lived for 37 years. Marr's Leisure Products grew to become one of the leading distributors and manufacturers of recreational products in Canada. Throughout his business career, he always returned to summer in his beloved Kenora. For leisure he travelled the world, always with Norah and often with wonderful lifelong friends. Fall meant duck hunting. For 30 years he'd head to BC to fish for salmon with the same pals. We'll forever remember regular family ski trips in the motorhome. His camp on Gun Club Island hosted many a family reunion and old school pal reunions through the years. He enjoyed it both summer and winter. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nursing staff of the hospital for their kindness and caring for Bill and their thoughtfulness to our family. An afternoon honouring Bill's memory will be held at the Clarion Lakeside Inn, in Kenora, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 23. Beginning at 2:30 p.m. friends and family will recount stories of Bill and his wonderful life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital or the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 13, 2017

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

  • It was a pleasure meeting Mr. Bill Marr, Bill Jr., Glenn, and many others through Marr's Leisure Products. My fondest memory of Mr. Marr was his light-mannered way of teaching a valuable life lesson through a sense of humour. One example which I often return to, even to this day was his introduction of the K.I.S.S. method when approaching a problem. "Do you know of it?" K.eep I.t S.imple S.tupid My sincere condolences to Bill Jr., Debra, Glenn, Peter and all of the Marr family. - Posted by: Janet Lovell-Simons (Former Executive Secretary to Mr. Marr at Marr's Leisure Products) on: Mar 11, 2020

  • I just learned about Bills passing, my deepest condolences to the family, I known Bill for many years, I remember the blue boathouse at the foot of Main St. in Kenora well, that's where I first started to deal with Bill, I also had the privilege of Knowing Mr.WH. Marr, Sen. Bill was a great fellow, I went with Bill to many dealer meetings over the years, I remember one time we were going to Goshen, Indiana, because of Airline problems we were stuck in Toronto. No problem for Bill he soon had us on buses to Fort Wayne where Personnel from Marrs picked us up. Surely a great guy. Ib and Brenda Jensen. - Posted by: ib jensen (Friend) on: Mar 25, 2018

  • To the Marr family, sorry to hear of your loss. I've often wondered about all the people I met while working at Marr's Leisure, how they were and where they were, (employed 10 years 1973 - 1983) and as I was looking for a friends obituary I came across Mr. Marr's. Yes, as someone mentioned, I remember the whistling and the neatly dressed "boss" who drove a big red lincoln....I believe he truly traveled his life journey to the fullest. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Dianne Medwid (past employee) on: Oct 17, 2017

  • Our sincerest condolences on the passing of Bill Marr Sr. Although we didn't have the good fortune to know him well, we've been blessed with the relationship of his amazing son, Bill and his lovely wife Debra along with their wonderful children. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Marr family during this difficult time. Love, Chiedu, Carolyn, Justus, Elias, Isaias & Faustina - Posted by: Carolyn & Chiedu Odiatu (Dear friends of the family ) on: Sep 23, 2017

  • My sincere condolences to the Marr family. I have fond memories of my time at Marr's Leisure and continue to benefit from the experience. Thanks Bill Peter Muir - Posted by: Peter Muir (Marr's Leisure former employee) on: Sep 21, 2017

  • NORA and family My deepest sympathy for your loss of a wonderful man Cecille Stelle - Posted by: CECILLE STELLE () on: Sep 20, 2017

  • Dear Norah & family: We were sad to read of Bill’s passing and want to extend our sympathy to each of you. You will recall that we purchased the building at 585 Century Street, once Marrs Marine decided to move to larger premises. Bill & Bob were good business friends. Bill was one of the good guys and will be missed by all who knew him. We send our love, Bob, Irene Cunningham & family - Posted by: Bob, Irene Cunningham & Family (Friend) on: Sep 15, 2017

  • I enjoyed working for your dad many years ago. He was a wonderful boss and a great man. I always admired him. His whistling reminded me of my own dad. My deepest sympathy. Janet Carluck - Posted by: Janet Carluck () on: Sep 14, 2017

  • My deepest condolences to the entire Marr family - all of which I had the deep pleasure of knowing and working with for 13 years as a member of the team. Bill and family helped me through some difficult times and treated me and my sons like family. Thank you sir. - Posted by: Michael Gillespie (Employee) on: Sep 13, 2017

  • Although we didn't know your parents well, they were gracious hosts to us for our first very special weekend at Lake of the Woods. So many memories of that short weekend and another visit, out with children - Extended Marr family dinner, pool playing, dock spiders, a harrowing paddle boat ride with Deb and mosquitoes the size of birds! Most importantly, Mr and Mrs Marr raised an amazing son, Bill, and he and Debra have been dear friends for 26 years. We are all fatherless now, just one more thing that will draw us closer - if that is possible. Our deepest sympathies and love to all of you from your St. Louis family. We love you and look forward to seeing you this fall. 😘 - Posted by: Susan, Mike, Griffin, Allyson, Mason & Hayden Medart (Unofficial family with Bill and Debra) on: Sep 13, 2017

  • I want to offer my most sincere condolences to the entire Marr family which I had the honor and privilege to work with. I admired and looked up to Bill and many of the managers at Marr's Leisure. They were the best business and sales mentors a guy could ask for. Bill personally taught me many lessons such as the "golden rule". He once asked if I knew of "it". Before I had a chance to even come up with a reply he said "Bryon....the man with the gold makes the rules"! Thank you for the many fond memories Bill. - Posted by: Bryon Marion (Employee) on: Sep 13, 2017

  • Nora and family . Our hearts sank when we heard the news about Bill. We will always have good fond memories of our years with your family. Our Sincere Condolences...Ron and Keena Everett - Posted by: Ron and Keena Everett () on: Sep 13, 2017

  • Our sincere condolences, Glenn, to you and your family. A great loss to you all. - Posted by: Raymond Lansard & Hélène Lemoine () on: Sep 13, 2017

  • Our deepest sympathies to the Marr family at this time of loss and mourning. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Buzz & Genevieve Grant (Friends) on: Sep 13, 2017

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