MARILYN DAVISON

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

• I came to know Marilyn and Dale when both families moved to Denver, Colorado in 1980. The transition from our families in Canada was difficult but knowing Marilyn was a balm to the soul! She was always positive, upbeat, encouraging and greeted you with a smile. I will always remember her with the utmost affection. Our hearts go out to Lee, Christine and children. - Posted by: Carole Dennis (Friend) on: Apr 23, 2022

• This is the sermon I delivered at Marilyn's memorial service. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. John 17: 20-23 Jesus said, “My prayer is not for these disciples alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Sermon In October of 2017 I attended Diocesan Synod as the incumbent of St. Michael in Victoria Beach and St. Jude in Grand Marais. However, I had also just been appointed as the incumbent of St. Mary, which put me in a rather strange position as no one at either parish knew it yet; the bishop had not yet made the announcement. There were a small handful of people at St. Mary who knew, but that’s it. One of those people was a delegate to Synod and was at the meeting that October. You can probably guess as to who I am referring; Marilyn Davis. During the very first coffee break, I was in the hallway outside the room where we were meeting preparing to go back in when Marilyn stopped me and pulled me aside. Now, bear in mind that I had met Marilyn maybe twice before this. She wrapped her arms around me and said, “I’m just so happy you’re coming to St. Mary!” I had to remind her that no one else knew yet and we had to wait for the bishop’s announcement. I’ll bet it was driving her nuts trying to keep that quiet. When I first came into the parish, Marilyn was the deputy people’s warden and shortly after became the People’s Warden. For those of you who are not familiar with the weird way Anglicans do things, a warden is one of two in the parish. The Rector’s Warden is appointed by the, well, the Rector, and the other, the People’s Warden is elected by the, well, the people. So what is a warden? The office of Church Warden dates back to the 14th Century, when the church in England was still under the Roman See. The Wardens were, and still are, the chief liaison persons between the parish and the Incumbent, and the chief administrative assistants of the parish. That’s a textbook answer. Wardens are responsible to ensure that the financial needs of the parish are met. They make sure the bills are paid, making sure that the tax man gets the church’s charitable return, that the building is adequately insured, signs the cheques, makes sure that I sign the register that keeps track of all the services here. They make sure that I have everything I need to conduct worship. They make sure that the snow is shoveled, the grass is cut, the furnace works. It’s a massive job. For me though, the most important role of a warden is their role as advisor, and it is in this role that Marilyn really came into her own. She and I spoke almost daily. If she wasn’t in here plopping on the sofa in my office, she was calling of texting. Some of the advice she gave was, not only good, but of tremendous value. “So and so could use a phone call.” “This person needs you to visit.” “Take Melody out for dinner.” And my favorite, “Don’t be an idiot.” That one usually came after I extolled the virtues of Donald Trump, just to get her goat. The past two years have been difficult for all of us. For the church there was closures when we could not meet, then limited re-openings, then closures, then more relaxed restrictions, then more stringent ones. The sand shifted under our feet and it was hard to navigate though it all. And through it all, there were a small handful of dedicated volunteers who made sure that, at least, we were able to maintain some form of worship life, some form of communication with one another. And in the middle of it, along with her partner in crime Iris, Marilyn was instrumental in ensuring that we managed. Every Sunday they were here. Every Sunday. They helped me figure out ways to lead our people in worship online, from streaming the service using a cell phone, to distributing drive-up communion. They problem solved with the altar guild, marked out the pews for social distancing, vacuumed the carpets, learned how to set up microphones. The list is endless. And all of this was done, not for recognition or praise, but because the friendships and relationships here were of vital importance. Come hell or high water, we were going to stay together. Marilyn had a heart for people. If there was anyone who needed to hear a friendly voice, Marilyn would be that voice. There were many who received a daily call from Marilyn, if for no other reason than to see how they were doing. During these difficult two years she made sure that those who were confined to their homes during lockdown were able to get out at least once a week to church by picking them up and driving them here. Come hell or high water. In John’s gospel, there is a large section that recalls the last supper Jesus ate with his disciples. In fact, of the 21 chapters in the gospel, 5 cover this one event. Jesus has been travelling and ministering with these guys for three years or so. They have spent many days and night on the open road, travelling from place to place, finding shelter wherever they could, sometimes sleeping in the wilds. They were an eclectic mix. Two sets of brothers were fishermen, one disciple was of noble birth. Thomas was a pessimist. Three of them were zealots, Simon and the two Judases, And one was a tax collector. Zealots made an unbreakable vow to kill Roman soldiers and tax collectors. Jesus likely had to put his sleeping bag between those guys many times. Over the course of his ministry he has shepherded this small band of misfits. They have driven him half mad with they lack of understanding, their arrogance, their foolishness. He has celebrated their victories and forgiven their faults. He gave them a vision of a world that could be so much better than it is, a world where the first are last and the last first, where everyone has a seat at the table and all are fed. They have eaten many meals together and this night. The night of the last supper, for them at least, is no different than any other meal they have eaten. Yes, it’s the Passover meal, a celebration, but they have observed it before. Not different, and yet very different. Jesus is heartbroken, afraid and very, very troubled. He knows what’s coming. He knows that these friends, these companions through many hardships are in for a rough ride. One will deny him, one will betray him and the rest will run away. He gives them instruction and encouragement. He bares his soul to them and they are confused. And after this, he does something remarkable; he prays. And what’s remarkable about that is that he prays as if they are the ones that need to hear it. He knows that God is listening, but the audience, I think, is really the disciples. He prays for them. He says, “ ‘I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.” Now here is were it gets really remarkable. Jesus said, “My prayer is not for these disciples alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” He prays for us. All of us. He prays that we might be one as he and God are one. That we might be brought to complete unity. Come hell or high water. This, I believe, is the legacy that Marilyn has left for us. That we would hold tightly to our relationships with one another, protect one another. That we would be united together and in some small way at least, make the vision of Jesus a reality. Let us carry one this good work, unafraid to love. And unafraid to tell one another, “I love you, I want the best for you, I pray for you. And take your spouse out to dinner and don’t be an idiot.” Come hell or high water. Amen. - Posted by: The Rev. John Giroux (Priest and friend) on: Mar 23, 2022

• What a beautiful and loving tribute for a beautiful, caring and upbeat lady! So many in the Victoria Beach community will miss her dearly! Most sincerely, Deanne McDonald - Posted by: Deanne McDonald (Friend) on: Mar 21, 2022

• So sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. She was a beautiful lady and will be missed by many. I will always remember her beautiful smile. Rest in peace Marilyn. - Posted by: Hilary Wiebe (Friend) on: Mar 21, 2022

• Our dear Marilyn will be sadly missed by our entire Book Club (the Spinebenders). She was such a delight, cheerful and loving giver of special friendship. She was so proud of her 2 grandchildren - Hayden & Brooklyn & often would tell us what she had been doing with them that was so special to her. My sincere condolences to her whole family - she was a source to be reckoned with - her spirit lives on! - Posted by: Paat Walmsley (Friend (Book Club)) on: Mar 21, 2022

• We are so sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. It was always a treat on piano lesson days as we knew Marilyn would be picking up the kids and we would have a little visit as she was always early! She had a warm and caring smile and a genuine interest in what was happening around the centre. If we were really lucky we would get a Lee story, lol! After the kids moved on to a new school some of us had the pleasure of making the morning walk back to the centre with Marilyn. Great conversations were always had. - Posted by: The Sunnyside Staff (Child care providers to Hayden and Brooklyn) on: Mar 20, 2022

• Marilyn was one of those people that no matter what life cards were dealt to her the glass was “Full”. We have many fond memories of all of us along with the Jeffries and Thomas’, always good food, great company and lots of jokes. Later on memories are of Linda and Marilyn we called them “Thelma and Louise”, the crazy things those two did, everyone should have a friendship like theirs. Lee and family our sincere condolences to you all, she was so proud of you and loved her grandchildren so very much. Rest In Peace Marilyn hope you are having that big party reunion and dancing the night away! - Posted by: Kim & Peter Turcotte (Friends from Victoria Beach) on: Mar 20, 2022

• My condolences to Marilynn’s family. My daughter attended the school Marilyn worked at. She made everyone feel welcome with her beautiful bright smile. She had such a kind heart/soul. R.I.P. beautiful lady. - Posted by: Karen Teague (Acquaintance ) on: Mar 20, 2022

• Wow did we ever had a blast at Beaumont school. First day that I started at that school she gave me hell and then our friendship went off the roof. God I will miss her, we talk about her all the time, Chris, Loreen, Miranda. And Me Dale and others - Posted by: Dale Nesbitt (Co worker and friend) on: Mar 20, 2022

• I first met Marilyn & Doug as a child when our respective parents were friends – way back in the fifties!! Marilyn lived in St. James. I lived in St. Vital so when we did get together it was special. As time passed, we both married, had children and the cycle continued. Our children Christine & Lesley had playdates with Lee and our husbands bonded. The good times together as families continued. At our homes and at the beach. I have many great stories I could tell. Marilyn was so loving, positive, smart, funny & loyal. A true friend. We moved to BC in 1993. Marilyn & I continued to correspond all these years. Marilyn was a role model to many and a strong independent lady. I will cherish our friendship in my heart forever. Rest in peace dear friend. Our sincere condolences to Doug, Lee and families. Sincerely, Pam (nee Fanning) & Julian Galbecka - Posted by: Pam (nee Fanning) & Julian Galbecka (Friend) on: Mar 19, 2022

• Marilyn was one of a kind, I loved calling her Red. She was always so nice & kind to everyone she met. We had some great get togethers at her place in VB. She will be missed by so many, our deepest condolences to her Family & Friends May you Rest In Peace Marilyn😘 - Posted by: Debra & Ken Parsons (Friend from Victoria Beach) on: Mar 19, 2022

• Sad and shocked to learn of Marilyn's passing. I will remember her laughter and the fun times we shared with our mutual friend Linda who we lost several years ago. Marilyn and Linda's friendship is united again, along with other family who have passed before. Sincere condolences to all her family and others who will miss her. - Posted by: Lois Forzley (friend) on: Mar 19, 2022

• Yes.Marilyn was a giver.She freely offered her experience and expertise to me.Her infectious laugh and love of life will be missed. - Posted by: Nancy Lautermilch (Acquaintance ) on: Mar 19, 2022

• I just read your tribute to Marilyn in your family life. Let me say, she was a "driver" in our family life at work too. Marilyn always had a smile, or an infectious laugh, or a joke that she shared freely. She and her partner in the office were quite a pair. You could depend on Marilyn. Marilyn was a part of the annual June gathering in June for the "old gang" from work for many years. I have known Marilyn for about 30 years and actually catered her wedding to Dave. I am sorry to say I missed Marilyn's service but she will be always with me through memories. - Posted by: Chris Dyer (co-worker at Beaumont School) on: Mar 19, 2022