Moon river, wider than a mile
– ‘Moon River’, lyrics by Johnny Mercer
I’m crossing you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you’re going, I’m going your way
Two drifters, off to see the world
There’s such a lot of world to see
We’re after the same rainbow’s end, waiting, round the bend
My Huckleberry Friend, Moon River, and me
Now, let’s take a moment to take a journey down memory lane…
Margaret Rose King was born in Hamilton, Ontario on 18 June 1953 and grew up on Francis Street. The oldest of seven children to her parents Margaret and Ted.
For fun she went to a neighbour’s cottage on Lake Erie with friends and enjoyed family times at Courtcliff Park, Fantasy Island.
Margaret graduated from Sir John A. MacDonald High School in 1973 and soon after started nursing school in Hamilton. She always knew she wanted to be a nurse and to help people. She worked many hours at Foodland, a grocery store, saving every penny to make her dream a reality. In 1974, she finished nursing school, booked a train ticket to B.C. and was on her way to live her dream.
Moved to BC to pursue a life of her own, working at the Victoria Veterans Hospital, a place that would become more special in a few months time.
The night that Marg met Ken… they danced to Moon River on shift at the hospital. They were dream makers about to go their own way.
Marg and Ken tied the knot back in Hamilton, Ontario at St. David’s Church. Some said they would never last…
An absolutely epic road trip in the ’75 Camaro, travelling from Hamilton through to Disney World in Florida, Nashville, all the way to California, and up the coast back home to Victoria. There were a few hairy moments, Ken had travel sickness so bad they had to make a pit stop at his cousins place in Oregon for a few days to recover!
Michael Steven Fitzhenry was born in Victoria BC.
Marg, Ken and Michael made the move to 7938 33 Ave, Bowness, Calgary in pursuit of a better life.
The first big adventure abroad, a month long trip to Scotland to explore the sights and partake in the Scottish piping circuit.
The family built and moved to 164, Citadel Peak Circle NW, but it would only be a short stay…
By chance and due to market conditions at the time, Marg, Ken and Michael moved to 262 Royal Crest Place NW, the family dream home.
Michael moved to the UK following a stint at the Glasgow Art School to chase his dream to play with a world champion pipe band. It was meant to be for a year, but he didn’t come back!
Marg and Ken made frequent visits to the UK to visit Michael, but also spent a lot of time in Hawaii and Mexico in particular. She also returned to Hamilton many times – weddings, special occasions – never forgetting her roots and where she came from. Other highlights include Ireland, France, Germany, Portugal, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, Madeira, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, Panama, Cuba, throughout Canada and the US including Alaska…. some a few times over.
After 32 years at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Marg finally retires… well, sort of. She continues to work casual until the day of her diagnosis.
Marg gains a daughter in-law with a country wedding for Michael and Alison in Ayrshire, Scotland. What a party!
Marg was diagnosed with metatastic melanoma in January, 2019 and took it head on with surgery, radiotherapy and immunotherapy at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. Showing great strength to the very end, on April 16th she passed away peacefully with her family by her side, shortly after hearing a recording of Mike playing Lady MacDonald’s Lament – a tune he competed with at the Northern Meeting Gold Medal competition.