June 18, 1940 - February 5, 2021
Marylin Davies was born in Vancouver, B.C. on June 18, 1940 to William (Bill) & Mary Brownlie. When she was six, she moved to Chilliwack where she stayed until graduating from Chilliwack High School in 1958.
Marylin enjoyed Job's Daughters, 4-H, and various school clubs, although the bulk of her time was spent cultivating her love of music and her piano skills. Upon graduation, Marylin returned to Vancouver to further her music with her teacher and mentor, Phyllis Schuldt.
In the fall of 1963, Marylin received her diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto and moved to Terrace to join her parents and begin teaching full-time. It was there that she met Philip Davies, who was working at the Bank of Montreal. In August of 1965, she and Phil were married and in the following spring, the pride and joy of her life, Melissa, was born.
Marylin devoted her life to service - to others and to her community. She believed heavily in giving back. To that end, she became the President of the B.C. Ladies Golf Association, supported the Canadian Ladies Golf Association leadership at events across Canada, was the first female President of the Skeena Valley Golf Club, was involved with the building of the current SVGC clubhouse, served on the organizing committee for the 1986 BC Winter Games in Terrace, and was active with Job's Daughters.
Marylin was a constant supporter and contributor to music in Terrace. In February of 1965, she co-founded the Pacific Northwest Music Festival and worked tirelessly over the next several decades to raise up generations of those who loved music and played their best.
Many a Terrace resident remembers a trip to her basement studio on Bruce Street, and playing in the Festival and year-end concerts. One year, Marylin beamed with pride as Melissa performed a Haydn concerto and she played the orchestra part. Marylin adjudicated festivals around the province, bringing her knowledge and experience to many.
Later, Marylin applied to become a marriage commissioner and for many years, had the pleasure of officiating at numerous marriages at various locations in the area. While it didn't pay much money, she spent countless hours working to ensure a personal experience for all in attendance. There was more than one wedding that took place in the Davies' front room on Kenney with Phil or a neighbor being the witness.
For a few years, she sold her homemade creations at the Farmer's Market. Later, after her hands could no longer play the piano to her own high standard, she kept active by learning to paint. Many beautiful creations adorn the Davies' home to this day.
Later, Marylin became active in politics at the local level. In 2001, Marylin was elected as a councillor with the City of Terrace; she spent ten years on Council until moving in 2014. She served on many different committees, was involved with numerous local government initiatives, and was an ardent supporter of First Nations, working closely with both the Kitselas and Kitsumkalum communities.
Marylin was always eager to travel and 'find out what was around the next corner.' There were annual summer trips to the Okanagan and 100 Mile House. Later, Phil and Marylin traveled to Asia and Europe, and enjoyed many winters in New Zealand. She delighted in several trips to the Middle East to visit Melissa in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, meeting new friends along the way.
In 2014, Phil & Marylin took up roots and moved to Courtenay where they enjoyed discovering the region and living in their new home. Marylin passed peacefully February 5 with Melissa by her side.
Marylin is predeceased by her parents; survived by her husband, Philip, and daughter, Melissa. A celebration of her life will be held in the summer of 2022.
The family wish to thank Dr. Bakshi and the entire team at The Views Hospice for their amazing care. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your favorite charity or give back to your local community and make a difference in someone's life.