February 17, 1934
November 11, 2021
Margaret (Marg or Maggie) passed away peacefully at the age of 87, surrounded by loving family. Born in Dundee, Scotland, she was the only child of Alexander and Daisy McKinlay. She is lovingly remembered by her son Adrien; step-children Steven (Laura) Stockman, Debbie (Stacy) Spittles, and Laurie Howe; grandchildren Alan, Bradly, Claire, Emilie, Emily, Jason, and Martin; great-grandchildren Emma, Norah, and Ryan.
Margaret emigrated to Canada with her parents in 1948, leaving behind a large, extended family in Dundee. Determined to embrace a new life in Canada, one of Maggie’s proudest moments occurred in her late teens, when a woman chatting with her on a bus refused to believe Maggie had been born in Scotland as there was no hint of the old-country brogue. Marg graduated from John Oliver Secondary School and had a long career in secretarial and administrative roles at BC Electric, International Power and Engineering (IPEC), Westcoast Transmission Company, and Sempra Energy. She enjoyed her work almost as thoroughly as the many friendships she made throughout the course of her career. Maggie was also a long-time volunteer with the Lions Gate Hospital Auxiliary.
Marg was modest and down-to-earth and appreciated simple pleasures and the company of friends and family. A single mandarin orange given at Christmas by a favorite aunt during the privations of wartime Scotland was the most memorable gift she received in her lifetime. After threatening to throw herself overboard to escape the seasickness of a winter Atlantic crossing, her first request on landing in Boston harbour was a fresh banana, which she had not tasted in years.
With a quick sense of humor, Maggie’s fondness for laughter was surpassed only by her affection for Stuart, the love of her life. Together, they shared the joys of family and friends, bridge, travel, and the delights of a well-cooked meal and a bottle of wine. Marg had great fun on the golf course after retirement and was an avid member of the Ladies League at Mylora Golf Course, where she achieved the first of her two holes-in-one.
No service by request. Those wishing to honour her life can make a donation in her name to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation
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