Obituary
On Wednesday April 6, supported by her caregivers and loved ones, Minnie Turyk passed away peacefully at the age of 91.
Minnie was born in Rossland, B.C. into a large Scottish clan of 8 children and her parents, May and Seath Martin, who had immigrated to Canada in the early 1920s. She is the last of her siblings, who were a tight knit group, all living and raising their families in the Kootenays.
Minnie always said they didn’t have very much growing up but remembered her mother making shortbread for all the local ladies and sneaking pieces of the uncooked dough from the edge of the bread board. Minnie followed in her mom’s footsteps and we all agreed that her shortbread was best.
Minnie met and married Max Turyk, in Rossland, and they lived there until 1954 when they moved, with Maxie, for a teaching job at Fernie Secondary. They lived with Max’s parents when they first arrived but it wasn’t long before Minnie insisted they find their own house – a strong Ukrainian Baba was a challenge for her strong Scottish temperament. They stayed in Fernie the rest of their lives.
Minnie was always very independent and not afraid to try new things. She learned how to golf and ski when she was in her mid-30s. Her love of skiing endured and she embraced the whole scene, working at the “store” at the mountain for about 25 years. The winter work kept her busy and involved and the summers off were perfect – she could camp at Koocanusa with friends and family.
Minnie spent much of her life on her own after Max passed away in 1977. But she maintained her house, kept working and enjoying her summers at the lake, as well as doing a bit of travelling to beaches and Scotland with her sisters. She enjoyed her close friends but truly loved her family – especially beating us all at cards.
Minnie will be missed by her son Max (Pam), her daughter Lori (Eddie) and her grandkids Hannah and Graham. The multitudes of the Martin clan will also miss Auntie Minnie.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Fernie Red Cross appreciated.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Minnie TURYK, please visit our floral store.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Minnie TURYK September 22 1929 April 7 2021 (age 91)..
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Décès pour la Ville: Fernie, Province: Colombie britanique