Tennis Anne Marx

March, 1956 – November, 2024

Tennis Marx passed away, following a lengthy illness, in November 2024 at the age of 68. Tennis was born in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta in March 1956 to her parents Henry and Jean Hambleton. Tennis grew up on a small farm near Rocky Mountain House, Alberta with her parents, her Aunt Susie and her younger sister Nola. In addition to their mixed farming operation, they had a dairy quota and ran a pure breed Charolais cattle operation. She watched her father support the family farm by working a number of off the farm endeavours including hunting wild game, operating the meat shop in Leslieville, employment at the Rocky Bar and the Rocky Auction Mart. The respect her father had shown for the local indigenous people had always had a positive impact on Tennis. Leading her to treat the people she served with respect. Tennis would often go with her father to neighbouring farms to help when they needed a hand. Her Aunt Susie had been a nurse during the world war, and had a great influence in shaping Tennis into the woman she would become. From an early age Tennis would collect wood daily for her beloved Aunt Susie's wood stove. Aunt Susie influenced Tennis to explore the world, and later she helped financially support Tennis's ambition for post secondary education.

Tennis would ride the Mr Needham's school bus to attend David Thompson High School. Mr Needham trusted Tennis daily with recording accurate student transport tally records on the bus. She enjoyed sports. She especially liked baseball, striking out the boys by throwing the ball with either hand to fluster the batters. She excelled at the broad-jump and throwing discus. She also enjoyed her singing lessons with Mrs. McCabe.

Tennis was a very gifted person. She could read 6 times faster than most people with near perfect comprehension. She would buzz through a James Bond novel at 1,500 words per minute for pure enjoyment. Reading was a passion, that she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

Tennis was a brilliant student, and graduated from David Thompson High School with Academic Honours and was a recognized Valedictorian. She went on to attend Red Deer College where she became great friends with Elizabeth Thomsen. In the summer Elizabeth and Tennis worked as veterinarian assistants for Dr. Harvey Cole where she honed her animal welfare skills. Elizabeth's family invited Tennis to Sweden where Tennis had a life changing adventure learning Swedish, wearing bikinis, hiking and working in a processing plant peeling shrimp. Upon her return she transferred from Red Deer College to attend the University of Alberta, Faculty of Agriculture, Science Program. On campus she took up square dancing, enjoying the festivities like Bar None – the biggest Ag party on campus, did a little curling and was employed as a Teaching Assistant. She met her husband, Brian while living at Pembina Hall on Campus. In 1979 Tennis graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture with her major in Range and Forage Management.

Tennis had a long and adventuresome career of 31 years with the Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. She started as one of a few women District Agriculturists in Alberta, and the very first District Agriculturist to go on maturity leave. She held District Agriculturist positions in Olds, Lamont and then Ryley. She would then take a promotion as a Feedlot Specialist in Camrose. Finally consulting as a Beef Production Systems Specialist in Edmonton before retiring.

She achieved success in each progressive advancement working in the public service with her work being recognized with several outstanding service awards including; Premier’s Award of Excellence – OCPV Biosecurity Initiative in 2007, Premier’s award for dedication and commendable service from 1979- 2010. Public service for the provincial government in the field of agriculture also afforded Tennis the opportunity to travel. She made several trips to the USA and China as part of diplomatic relations with other countries in need of her level of knowledge and expertise in agriculture. In 1999 Tennis achieved her Masters of Science in Animal Science Degree at University of Saskatchewan, which her Thesis Title: Grain Screening Pellets for Ruminants and Evaluations of the 1999 NRC Beef Cattle Nutrition Model, is one of her shining successes. In 2008 near the end of her career she was the managing editor for The Beef Cow-Calf Manual.

Tennis and Brian shared a wonderful life with many joyous memories. They carefully nurtured their family watching them graduate from University and grow into their successful careers. They enjoyed working on renovations and projects together. Installing insulation, wall board, flooring, kitchen makeover, landscaping, fencing, rebuilding cars and much more. Tennis was particularly good with a putty knife and painting. Tennis had a flare for trading with Brian on the Stock Exchange. After buying their first canoe, they promptly tipped it over in 3 feet of still water on their first outing. Surfacing Tennis scolded Brian, and then she burst into an infectious laughter which the shore onlookers joined in too. Ultimately they mastered the art of canoing and enjoyed many happy excursions that then their children enjoyed too. They relished their many family vacations around Alberta, Saskatchewan, the National Parks, Yukon, Alaska, Texas, Hawaii, Vancouver Island, United Kingdom, Spain and more. Tennis was thrilled with meeting people, she loved photography and being behind the camera, ocean beach leisure time, cave excursions, exploring new plants, and farm production where ever they went. There isn't a field that she could drive by without taking a look at the crop. A woman of many passions, Tennis found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was an avid reader and loved the great outdoors, often spending her time hiking, camping, and fishing. She enjoyed many camping adventures with family in Radium. Tennis and Brian shared a love for travel, particularly enjoying their trips to Bath and Fowey in the United Kingdom.

Tennis's love for photography allowed her to capture the beauty of the world around her, often focusing on plants and scenery. Her vibrant spirit and contagious laughter could light up any room, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Family was the cornerstone of Tennis's life. She was a pillar of strength and support for her daughters, encouraging them to pursue their dreams. She made sure her daughters realize that they could do anything if they put their mind to it. She loved to help her daughters when her grandchildren were born. She would do countless daycare pickups, participate in birthday party setups, and grabbing many books at the library sale for her grandchildren that she enjoyed reading to them.

Tennis's kindness extended beyond her family, touching the lives of many people and animals alike. Her ability to light up any room with her presence and her genuine care for others made her a cherished friend and a respected member of her community.

Tennis is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Brian Marx, and her cherished daughters, Bonny Granfield (Robert) and Tina Bochon (Ryan), as well as her step-daughter, Kelly Kirby. She was a proud grandmother to Ashton, Isaac, Hudson, and Katelyn, with whom she shared countless joyful moments, often playing and creating lasting memories, that will be remember in the years to come.

Tennis 's legacy of love, understanding, and hard work will continue to inspire those who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

The family is requesting that donations be made to ALS Canada (als.ca) in lieu of flowers.