Obituary of Marilyn Doreen CAMERON

May 17, 1952 – St.Boniface, Manitoba December 14, 2015 – Calgary, Alberta It is with the deepest grief and an inexpressible sense of profound absence that we mourn the passing of Marilyn Cameron on December 14, 2015 at the age of 63 years. She was a wife, a mother, and best friend that we never expect to meet the likes of this side of eternity. Born in St. Boniface, Manitoba to Peter and Olga Boyko, Marilyn spent her childhood helping in-and-around a humble farm house in Oakbank, Manitoba with her brothers Don and Ken. The happiest times in her youth were spent with the farm’s animals, often pretending that she was a horse while running through the grain fields with a tea towel tucked in the waste band of her pants. Despite poverty, and many trials, including the loss of her brother, Don in a car accident in December 1967, Marilyn possessed a joyfulness and personal indomitableness that has been apparent to every individual who has known her through the course of her days. Her strength of character and kindness were unmistakably evident in her eyes, and in her smile. Marilyn attended high school at Canadian Union College, in Lacombe, Alberta, and there met her life-long best friend and husband-to-be, Randy Cameron. In 1970, Randy and Marilyn married in Winnipeg at the age of 18, and expanded their family to include an implacable German Shepherd named Bond, with whom they lived in St. Albert, Alberta for several years. Marilyn had a life-long love of horses. In the early years of their marriage, Marilyn would ride up to 12 hours a day and in later years rode in the Calgary Stampede with the Arabian Horse Club on Angelique. Over time, Marilyn and Randy had three children – Jay, Mandy and Stacey. The family moved from Edmonton to Mississauga and Oakville, Ontario in 1982, and finally back to Calgary, Alberta in 1988. In 1981, Marilyn recorded a sacred album called “A Gift of Love” with Chapel Records which is still played on Christian radio stations in the United States and elsewhere today. Marilyn studied music at the University of Manitoba, the University of Alberta, and obtained a Bachelor of Education, with distinction, from the University of Calgary with her typical excellence. Marilyn went on to teach at Muriel Clayton Middle School and George McDougall High School in Airdrie, where she founded the girls’ choral group Georgie Girls, the guys’ choral group The Odd Fellows, and oversaw the production of many memorable school drama productions, such as Annie and Pirates of Penzance. Marilyn was more than a teacher, she was interested in each student personally. With love, kindness, friendship and trademark persistence she bent her efforts to unlocking the potential of every one. Many of her students have attested to the fact that she changed their lives. Marilyn was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer in January 2009. Her unshaken faith, courage and cheerfulness through many surgeries and debilitating rounds of chemotherapy were an indisputable witness to everyone who was close to her. She passed away peacefully at home in the arms of her family on December 14, 2015, knowing that she had fought a good fight and run the race, and that hereafter there is a crown of glory laid up for her. 2 Tim. 4:7,8. Marilyn was, and will remain, the brightest spot on our horizon, where we know we will see her again. 1 Thess. 4:13-18. Marilyn is survived by her husband Randy; her children Jay, Mandy and Stacey; her brother Ken; her constant companion, Einstein the Doberman; and every person who ever was inspired by her welcoming kindness, joy, strength and indescribable faith. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Centre Street Church “Central Campus” (3900 – 2nd Street N.E.) on Monday, December 21, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Samaritan’s Purse – Canada, 20 Hopewell Way N.E., Calgary, AB T3J 5H5 Telephone 1 (800) 663-6500 www.samaritanspurse.ca. or the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, 20 Robert St W. Newcastle, ON L1B 1C6 Telephone 1 (888) 446-2372 www.adra.ca Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Marilyn Cameron, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.