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Marvin Charles McGillivray Obituary
Marvin Charles McGillivray,
June 17, 1938–January 29, 2025
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Marvin Charles McGillivray on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at the age of 86. He was predeceased by his wife Audrey, his parents Napoleon and Lydia Belle, older siblings Lawrence, Elmer, Cecil, Viola, and brother Roy who passed away in infancy. Marvin is lovingly remembered and survived by his 6 children, Lisa (Greg), Joelle (Erik), John (Anna), Robert, Janice, and Glendeen Jill, as well as 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Marv was born in Lamont Hospital in 1938. He spent his earliest days in Andrew, Alberta, named after his great grandfather Andrew Whitford. He grew up in the Métis settlement Kikino, and later Edmonton. Marvin persevered. He Joined the RCAF in 1957. He met Audrey while they were both stationed in Marville, France (1 Wing Division.) They married in France in 1963, returning to Canada after the birth of Lisa Gayle. The growing family travelled and spent some time in Fort Smith, Whitehorse, Edmonton, and Stellarton before returning to his Alberta roots. They moved to Leduc in the 1970s eventually settling in Edmonton. His Air Force background in telecommunications and electronics led him into a long career as an Electronics Technician with Transport Canada.
Our house was often filled with music and laughter. He loved playing guitar and singing country and western songs. He loved Tammy Wynette. He was intelligent, creative, and strong. To us kids, he was larger than life. We all looked up to him for his strength, skills, and clever approach to make things, to fix things, solve puzzles, answer trivia, and to make us laugh. There are many fond memories laughing while watching Mel Brooks’ movies, Peter Sellers, Leslie Nielsen, etc. He also had a fondness for games of chance, Bingo, horse racing, Scratch tickets and Slots. He was strong just like his drinks; his favourite recipe for a Rum & Coke was mixing white rum with a splash of Pepsi.
He did his best for us all. He took comfort in his faith. He was proud of his Métis heritage and Scottish ancestry, tracing his roots back to his great-great-great-grandfather William McGillivray of the North West Company. Despite his ruggedness, his health began to decline in the early 2000s. A series of strokes left him with deficits that eventually brought him into long term care. He made his home at Shepherd’s Care in Mill Woods. His Faith, family and friends, along with the warmth and kindness of the staff were a great source of comfort to him. His sister Viola resided on the 3rd floor. Audrey joined them as a resident in July. Sadly, their reunions were cut short by illness and untimely passing.
A special thank you to everyone at Shepherd’s Care for the love and kindness you have shown. You were his family for the last 6 years and Marvin’s family will miss you all.
In place of a funeral there will be a private viewing followed by a Celebration of Life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marvin, please visit our floral store.
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June 17 1938
January 30 2025
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta
death notice Marvin Charles McGillivray June 17 1938
January 30 2025
obituaries notice Marvin Charles McGillivray June 17 1938
January 30 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Marvin Charles McGillivray June 17 1938
January 30 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
