With gratitude that her long illness is over, the family of Marian Flanders (Knive) wish to announce her gentle and peaceful passing surrounded by her family at her home in Cochrane, Alberta. She was 79 years old. Marian was born to Anders (Andy) Knive and Ruby Alberta (Sullivan) Knive in Vulcan, Alberta.
Marian grew up in Vulcan and then on the family farm northeast of Vulcan. She loved animals and particularly loved riding her horse, Sherri. Marian spent many hours riding and enjoying the peace and nature of her surroundings and riding to meet up with her friend Bev Campbell. In 1958 the entire Knive family took a trip across Canada, to Boston and New York before boarding a ship to Norway for the summer. This was a highlight of Marian's life as she and her sister Kathleen enjoyed newfound independence as they roamed the countryside with cousins and experienced many Norwegian customs of their father.
Marian worked as an Office Manager for Stuart Olsen in Calgary for many years and has kept in touch with numerous friends from her time there. The company presented Marian with a grandfather clock in recognition of how much her work and cheery attitude were valued by the company and her coworkers. The clock has chimed a reminder of her time there every quarter hour for many years.
Marian met Lynn Widgill in 1980 and they had 43+ wonderful years together.
In 1983, Lynn moved to Banff to set up his business, after selling their home in Calgary. Marian stayed with Grace, Lynn's mom, and developed a very close friendship. In 1985 Marian joined Lynn in
Banff and worked with him at Banff Camera shop until she opened
the "Banff Sock Shop" and ran her own retail business for many years. She also was very active in the Banff Legion and took on the role of Office Manager there.
In 1985 Marian and Lynn built a multi-family home where they provided much-needed housing for Banff workers. In 2000 they converted one of the suites into a short-term rental suite. In 2006 she and Lynn retired to Cochrane where they enjoyed golfing, gardening, and traveling in their motorhome. Marian was a member of the Cochrane Lionesses.
Marian's laugh and welcoming arms will be missed and remembered by her husband Lynn Widgill, son Jim Flanders, daughter Cindy Flanders, and grandchildren Cheyenne, Tabitha, and Bethany, and her great-grandson Cayden.
Marian also will be missed by her brother Roy (Marjorie) of Sun Peaks, BC., and her extended family Reita Widgill of Saskatoon, Sk., Marilyn Najm of Canmore, AB., and numerous nieces & nephews. Marian was predeceased by her Father Andy (1989), Sister Kathleen (1999), Lynn's Mother Grace Widgill (2015) and her Mother Ruby (2017).
A private celebration of life was held. Flowers are gratefully declined. If desired, tribute gifts may be made in Marian's memory to the Banff Royal Canadian Legion.
Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.
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