WILSON, Marion Rose June 17, 1926 - March 20, 2010 We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of our beloved aunt Marion. Marion Rose Wilson was predeceased by her father Emil in 1949, mother Lucy in 1989, and her sister Norma Ruth (Dent) in 2005. She is survived by her brother Cully Miles Wilson of Edmonton and her sister Helen (Taplin) of Ajax, Ontario, as well as eleven nieces and nephews and their families. Marion grew up with her mother and siblings in little Iceland, the then western outskirts of Winnipeg around Boundary street, now named Maryland. This neighborhood produced many professional, cultural, and sports icons. Marion was one of them. She was fiercely proud of her Icelandic heritage. Marion continued promoting and protecting Canadian Icelandic culture until her death. She was a member of numerous Icelandic culture and benevolence organizations, and served on the executive of many. Marion embarked on a career with the Government of Canada in which she became a true pioneer. In 1961 Marion became the first woman to permanently join the Federal Trade Commission. This opened an exciting chapter in her life. Marion represented Canada travelling to many corners of the world including the USSR, Egypt, Japan, Venezuela, and most of the European countries. It also offered her the opportunity to host foreign delegations during their trips to Canada. While excelling at her career Marion remained a cornerstone of her family. She was the keeper and live-in friend of her mother. Marion's postings allowed them to experience life in many Canadian locals including Toronto, Ottawa, Fredericton, and Vancouver. After formal retirement in 1990 Marion continued to promote and help BC based businesses compete internationally. In fact, Marion was named the Canadian Flower Association "Person of the Year" for her contributions helping grow the industry. She also intensified her participation in Icelandic associations. But most enjoyable of all, Marion travelled again. She undertook extended trips to India and Russia, rode the Orient Express, and cruised the Mediterranean. Most of Marion's travels were done accompanied by her dear friend Margaret Amirault. During her last years Marion relished explaining pictures from the trips, showing the artifacts collected, and reminiscing about highlights. The family would like to acknowledge and thank Constable John Gregoriou (2641), Vancouver Police, the paramedic team, and the ER team at Vancouver General Hospital led by Tammy and Dr. Lang for their compassion and professionalism during Marion's final evening. The family will bury Marion with her mother in Brookside Cemetery, Winnipeg, Manitoba later in the spring. A meet and remember ceremony in Vancouver is scheduled for April 1, 2010, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM in the Upper Dining room of the Sylvia Hotel, 1154 Gilford Street. Yes, the hotel a block away from Marion's condo where she and friends shared many a meal and good conversion. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution can do so to the Salvation Army (who helped Marion and family through the 30s) or to any another charity they believe in. May a Grand Lady lay at rest Published in the Ottawa Citizen on 3/27/2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Marion Wilson, RIP
Please Return all the Stuff You Have Nicked Over the Years
Dear Colleague,
As you know, over the past few years the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has undertaken an active program of activities in Ottawa, across Canada, and at missions abroad to celebrate its Centennial. Many of our Retired Heads of Missions have participated in these events and contributed directly to their success.
As the Centennial draws to its close this spring, we thought it might be appropriate to leave behind a modest but lasting public monument to our Department’s Centennial and its storied diplomatic past. In order to do this, we have commissioned a small set of displays for the Pearson Lobby. We hope that these will remind staff and visitors, both from Canada and abroad, of the important contribution that DFAIT has made and continues to make daily to Canada’s prosperity and security.
In the short term, we plan to fill the first display cases with material and artefacts that we currently have in our possession. However, the Department has only a small number of these, and we are forced to turn to our retired officers for mementos and historic artefacts that we can fashion into displays over the longer term. We would like to encourage you to consider lending the Department any small items of historical significance that you have acquired during your career. These could be anything, and might range from a pen used to sign an important treaty, to an old “one-time pad” to old mission seals. Naturally, items chosen for display will be properly credited, protected, and insured against loss and damage.