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I have lost my biggest supporter and my dad has lost his life partner.
Over the past week I have been reflecting on my own life and the impact of her support in all that I have accomplished, acting as the proverbial parachute for my ambitions. Any successes that I have had can be directly attributed to her; whether that involved moving to the UK to follow my dream to play for Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, embarking on an MBA or moving at short notice to London to start a new career, none of that would have been possible without her help and encouragement. I was fortunate to be able to join her on the initial journey from diagnosis to treatment, multiple recoveries, and again at the end of her life. I will always cherish the quality time that we had together over that period. I will also hold recent adventures and traveling these past couple of years very close to my heart. Over the past few months she taught me more than I could have imagined about courage, a positive outlook and immense strength in the face of a terminal illness – she was truly an inspiration for all. She really was loved by so many and will be greatly missed.
On behalf of dad and I, I sincerely thank all of her colleagues at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre for not only working so hard to try and treat her disease, but for the love and support they have shown for one of their own.
Dear Michael, Alison and Ken
I am very sad to learn of the passing of Margaret. I remember so fondly the first time I met her. It was at a Ceilidh in 1997, she sought me out and said she wanted to meet the girl who was dating “her other son” Stewart. She promptly embraced me with a BIG warm hug and told me how wonderful of a guy he was (she was right). I instantly knew this woman was very special! Over the years, I always looked forward to seeing Margaret and Ken at the various scottish events – Highland games, Alberta Calendonia concerts and pub nights, Robbie Burns dinners. Margaret had a way of lighting up everyone in such a positive way. Her energy and enthusiasm was contagious! It was clear that she loved her family very much, I always looked forward to hearing how Mike was doing in Scotland and about her adventures and travels with Ken. She was your biggest fan! Margaret was a passionate advocate for the Calgary Highland Games, a dedicated volunteer, a wonderful friend, mom and wife. She will be remembered dearly by us. Sending you our love. Nancy
I knew Marg pretty much my whole adult life. She was a friend of my now sister in law Leslie Drake – they moved to BC together. Leslie returned to Ontario and Marg stayed there. About a year later Norm and I moved to Victoria. We invited Margie and Ken over and over the next couple of years we became close friends. We spent so much wonderful time together and we all enjoyed Michael. Over the years we would see each other less often – but some good times. Father’s Day and a car show at our house in Kelowna. And some pleasant times in Maui. Margie was a positive person. She saw the good in people. She was an enthusiastic host – it never felt like we were putting her out. We had about 6 hours between flights in Calgary and When I called Margie to say was there any way we could squeeze in a visit – her answer was absolutely yes – picked us up fed us and delivered us back. I will miss my good friend.
Marg’s family was so important to her. My deepest condolences to each of you.
I have many fond memories of Marg from the Bowness hockey days.We were a tight knit parent group and became good friends.I can still hear her laugh that was so infectious.She was so positive and upbeat all the time.
She loved both you and Ken with all her heart.
Linda Johnston Yavis
Margaret was my half sister, we shared the same biological mother. We did not meet until I was in my 20’s but when we did finally meet and had the chance to spend some time together Margaret was the type of sister I wish I had for my whole life. She was loving and givIng and full of life. I visited her 4or 5 times and I really did feel like we were sisters. We did not talk often but when we did, it was like we talked every day. My husband doug got a chance to meet margaret a few times and he will miss her too. It was always fun when Doug and I visited margaret and Ken and we bantered beck and forth like sisters and brothers in law do. As doug and I get ready to retire, visiting margaret and ken was going to be one of our extended trips and are now sad that that will not happen. Condolences to ken and Michael and Margaret’s other family. We will be thinking of you as you go through your difficult days but there are lots of happy memories with Margaret that will give you the strength to get by as she would want you too.
Dear Michael and Ken,
I join with so many in my sorrow at the news of Margaret’s death. I have many wonderful memories of volunteering with her at the Calgary Highland Games. Margaret and Ken were the band stewards at the Games for many many years and handled that responsibility with great skill and enthusiasm. They always arrived early and with enough energy to carry us through the afternoon. Margaret was always so cheerful and positive, even through rain or strong wind or timing challenges. I am very thankful for those memories, for the smiles and laughter that she shared with everyone and for the great pride she had in the accomplishments of Michael. I will miss her very much and think of you, Ken and Michael in these difficult days ahead.
Dear family and friends:
I write as a friend about a most special person who exemplified what it means to be a friend. For over 30 years, I could count on Marg to offer her wisdom, her enthusiasm for life, her humour, her assertiveness when she perceived unfairness, and her insightful perspective on whatever issue we discussed.
And we did talk…about everything. I could count on her being open, honest and totally authentic. She never played games and with freedom, shared her thoughts and her feelings, occasional misgivings, even regret, but never with bitterness or anger.
She was always “there” for me and my family, going the extra mile, with warmth and generosity of spirit. This was never more evident than on March 3 when she made herself come over to my house to celebrate my son, Stuart’s birthday and landed back in the hospital the next day. She never considered the cost to her. Thank you Marg for all your kindnesses.
I am happy that she experienced so much joy in her relationships with Ken, Mike, Alison and other family members and friends, in her treasured work with patients and colleagues at Tom Baker, and in her travels. Nonetheless, I am sad because I know she wanted to live: there was so much more ahead of her. I will mourn her loss everyday and know that she would want to comfort me and all of us.
Go if you must, Marg, but in love and peace.
Dear Mike and family,
This news truly breaks my heart, and my father’s (Alastair Robertson) as well. Although we knew Margaret years ago from my piping days, and remember her smile and her kindness, we did not see her for a long time until January 2018 at Tom Baker. I didn’t think she would remember me, but she did right away. My father was getting chemo and radiation there 5 days a week so we got to see her quite a few times. When the treatments started getting harder for my dad, it was Margaret in the day room that always put a smile on his face, talked to him about his treatment and symptoms, and just made him feel better. I don’t think I can out into words what her support truly meant to my father, as well as Russell and myself. A few months ago I took my father in for a check up at Tom Baker and as always, he wanted to go see Margaret afterwards. We went down to the day room but she was not there. They said she was off for personal reasons, but we never imagined that her own struggle with cancer was the reason.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Your mom was a rare gem and a very special person.
Dear Mike, Ken and family,
We are so very sorry to learn of the very sad news of Margaret’s passing, we have such fun and good memories of the band practices and events and recall your mum always had a smile and a huge laugh.
Our thoughts are with you all?
Until We Meet Again Marg:
Those special memories of you will always bring a smile. If only I could have you back for just a little while. Then we could sit, talk, & laugh just like we used to do. You always meant so very much & always will too. The fact that your no longer here will always cause me pain, but you’re forever in my heart.
Dearest Marg: I never dreamed that when I met Ken, then you, 42 + years ago while working at the Veteran’s Hospital in Victoria, BC that we would remain friends throughout all these years. Despite the years & miles that separated us, I was truly blessed to have your continued friendship, visits, telephone calls, emails & so much laughter. If we hadn’t moved away so far from each other Michael & Tara would have gotten to know each other better. Good friends like you are hard to come by & hold on to & I am going to miss you so much. We will always be Best Friends Forever.
Much Love to Ken, Michael & all your families.
Barb, Bob & Tara
Dear Ken Michael Alison and family
Charlene and I would like to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your entire family at the loss of our dear friend and colleague.
It was a pleasure and honour to have known and worked with Margaret over the last twenty years. She was a sweet kind thoughtful person and the world was a better place for it. She was kind caring compassionate and dedicated to her work her patients and her family. Margaret was absolutely awesome at her job and her colleagues and patients were appreciative of her vast experience and expertise. She was funny and frugal. She touched the lives of everyone she met.
Margaret will be sorely missed but our thoughts and memories of her will never cease.
Our thoughts and prayers our with you Ken Michael and Alison.
God Bless
All our love
Charlene Alex Christopher Jonathan and Matthew Balogh
After seeing the outpouring of love and affection for Margaret, it occurs to me that she really got it right with the way she lived her life. She had the same positive impact on all the lives she touched along the way, including my own. I can’t think of Margaret without seeing her wonderful smile and hearing her cheerful voice. Margaret was one of the happiest, most positive, and most genuine people I have ever known! She loved to try new things, and usually loved the things she tried, and her happiness and enthusiasm were contagious. She was warm, loving, thoughtful, and supportive, and she had nothing but kind and encouraging things to say, to, and about everyone. Margaret touched so many lives in a positive way and she will be sadly missed by all who knew her!!
The last post I read from Margaret on facebook said “Happy Happy Birthday to the love of my life.” in her Birthday message to Ken. In our last facebook conversation after she had been diagnosed, she said, “We did good with our babies didn’t we? Our youngsters have grown to be such awesome young people . So proud of them both.”, and after I had been introduced to Alison in Margaret’s hospital room, Alison left the room and Margaret said, “Isn’t she great? I just love her!” That wasn’t the first time I had heard any of those sentiments from Margaret. Still very much in love with Ken after 43 years of marriage, immensely proud of Michael and the wonderful man he has become, and thrilled to have Alison as part of the family. Margaret said what was on her mind and readily expressed her love and affection.
My deepest condolences to you Ken, Michael and Alison! Margaret was a very special lady!!
Margaret was truly a one-of-a-kind amazing woman, who loved deeply and lived a life full of joy and gratitude. She was such a positive and happy person, and always had time to listen to others and be genuinely happy for everyone as they reached their personal successes. She was one of my biggest supporters from day one, and I’ll never forget all of the ways that she saw the best in me throughout every stage of my life. I’m so grateful for all of my memories of her, and the way that she set a true example of how to live life to the fullest. Margaret brought happiness to everyone around her, and will be truly missed. My deepest condolences to Ken, Michael, Alison, and everyone else in Margaret’s family.
I also wanted to express my sincere gratitude to Mike for reaching out to our family in Margaret’s final weeks. It meant so much to all of us. Thank you
Dear Mike & Ken,
It has been many months since Marg’s passing but she has been in my thoughs, especially when I encounter situations of genorosity (both of spirit and time), caring, genuine disposition, love of life, laughter etc etc. Her love for, and devotion to family was truly admirable. We’ve shared some memorable times/meals with yourselves and the Valentich/Gripton family. Our singleton kids had much in common.
Although I left for The Netherlands a few years ago, I have kept abreast of Marg’s continued devotion to family and p/t work. Not to mention her travels! What a trooper during her illness and to the end. That’s our Marg. You are missed terribly dear friend.
I will continue to treasure the happy times and wish you both all the very best for the future Marg would have wanted for you.
My condolences.
Loretta & Abbie