Every person affects the lives of others - sometimes in a small way, and sometimes in a big way. Marg affected mine hugely.
In my high school graduation yearbook Marg wrote: "All the years I've known you, I've never understood you, but that's the best way to have a friendship. Good luck in the future." We had been friends since grade 1. We used to pass ourselves off as sisters.
Marg went to VCC after graduation and got her first job at the Teacher’s Co-op in Kerrisdale. She was so excited. Within a month of being there, she got a very bad case of Mono and was in bed for at least 6 weeks to 2 months. They held her job for her and she turned out to be probably one of the most conscientious workers they had. She stayed through 25 years of various buy-outs by other companies. In all things, Marg's loyalty was complete.
A couple of years after graduation, we moved out on our own together, sharing a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in Kitsilano. On two occasions after going shopping separately, on the same day, we unknowingly bought the SAME DRESS! If Marg were telling this, she would start by saying, "Oh, I laughed..." We didn't live together too long, as I got married. Of course Marg was one of my bridesmaids.
In our teens, Marg shared her summer cabin with me. I had the thrill of my first speed boat ride in the Sea-D, grinning like a fool. For my part, Marg used to come camping with my family. One day at Cultus Lake, the two of us met a couple of boys, which I like to say was Marg's "fault." The end consequence was my widowed mom meeting the love of her life.
Marg had a great sense of humour. One day in an email she referred to someone named Maurice. Maurice? Who was Maurice? I must have details! How did they meet? Her response was that she was in a store, turned around, and there he was. It took a few more teasing emails before I finally got it out of her that she had acquired a cat.
Marg's ladylike manners balanced my tendency to be a tad coarse on occasion. I don't believe I ever heard her swear.
She had the biggest heart and was one of the most generous people I have ever met.
We had always been there for each other. Marg was ready with a sympathetic ear and good advice, or just good company. She once remarked in an email that whenever we got together, it was as if no time had passed; “leastways that’s how I think of it” she said. All I can say is, me too.
That is a beautiful post Claudia. My memories of Marg are from childhood when the three of us would play on 35th or go to your house. She was so quiet and gentle. Claire Smythe (Harris)
Claudia Parkes (Burke)
Every person affects the lives of others - sometimes in a small way, and sometimes in a big way. Marg affected mine hugely.
In my high school graduation yearbook Marg wrote: "All the years I've known you, I've never understood you, but that's the best way to have a friendship. Good luck in the future." We had been friends since grade 1. We used to pass ourselves off as sisters.
Marg went to VCC after graduation and got her first job at the Teacher’s Co-op in Kerrisdale. She was so excited. Within a month of being there, she got a very bad case of Mono and was in bed for at least 6 weeks to 2 months. They held her job for her and she turned out to be probably one of the most conscientious workers they had. She stayed through 25 years of various buy-outs by other companies. In all things, Marg's loyalty was complete.
A couple of years after graduation, we moved out on our own together, sharing a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in Kitsilano. On two occasions after going shopping separately, on the same day, we unknowingly bought the SAME DRESS! If Marg were telling this, she would start by saying, "Oh, I laughed..." We didn't live together too long, as I got married. Of course Marg was one of my bridesmaids.
In our teens, Marg shared her summer cabin with me. I had the thrill of my first speed boat ride in the Sea-D, grinning like a fool. For my part, Marg used to come camping with my family. One day at Cultus Lake, the two of us met a couple of boys, which I like to say was Marg's "fault." The end consequence was my widowed mom meeting the love of her life.
Marg had a great sense of humour. One day in an email she referred to someone named Maurice. Maurice? Who was Maurice? I must have details! How did they meet? Her response was that she was in a store, turned around, and there he was. It took a few more teasing emails before I finally got it out of her that she had acquired a cat.
Marg's ladylike manners balanced my tendency to be a tad coarse on occasion. I don't believe I ever heard her swear.
She had the biggest heart and was one of the most generous people I have ever met.
We had always been there for each other. Marg was ready with a sympathetic ear and good advice, or just good company. She once remarked in an email that whenever we got together, it was as if no time had passed; “leastways that’s how I think of it” she said. All I can say is, me too.
Dear Marg: you have left a big hole in my life.
Claudia Burke (Parkes)
Linda Little
A lovely post Claudia, thank you. Marg and I took that VCC course together and car pooled. She was a lovely person
Linda Little
.
Claire Harris (Smythe)
That is a beautiful post Claudia. My memories of Marg are from childhood when the three of us would play on 35th or go to your house. She was so quiet and gentle. Claire Smythe (Harris)
Kathryn Proulx (Bailey)
She was always gentle and kind; both as a friend, roommate and sister-in-law. Kathryn Bailey (Proulx)