It is with sad hearts that we must announce the passing of our dear mother on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at the age of 85. Marilyn is survived by her husband Bob Barlow; her three daughters Lori (Ron), Wendy (Brad), Heidi (Tom) and her beloved seven grandchildren; Derrick (Ksenia), Hillary (Chris), Hailey (Justin), Madeline, Ava, Wesley, Ellisa (Robin) and her two great grandchildren; Casey and Hadley. She is also survived by her cherished siblings; Gloria (Bill), Dee Dee (Chuck) and Alan. Marilyn was predeceased by her parents Dr. Ralph and
Anna Mutrie.
Marilyn and her husband Bob lived life to the fullest, always up for adventures (they lived in nine cities in North America). Marilyn quickly adapted to each new environment and embraced each community. They celebrated their 65th anniversary last May with a beautiful dance to their wedding song “Yellowbird” in their back yard in Cordova Bay, surrounded by family.
Marilyn was an incredible mother to her three daughters, raising us to be strong and confident women. We rejoice around her chocolate cake, lasagna, banana bread recipes that will be passed down generations and the fact you still had all our childhood toys at your house, your skating art and figurines. We will miss seeing the shocked faces when you do “the splits” at family parties.
Marilyn was a very loving grandmother, all her grandchildren have very fond memories of spending time at Grandma’s house where she made each and everyone of them feel very special and loved. All the grandchildren especially loved playing with grandma’s dolls, elegant tea parties with egg sandwiches and dressing up in clothes from her costume box!
Marilyn was a positive role model and inspiration to others, giving freely of her time, knowledge and energy to further the development of young skaters, coaches and volunteers in the sport of Figure Skating. In 2017, Marilyn received the penultimate recognition being named as an Honorary Life Member of Skate Canada.
Marilyn is remembered as a very joyful, caring person that was empathetic to others and always available to support anyone she felt needed a helping hand.
The family will be celebrating her life with her immediate family in North Bay, Ontario on May 11th weekend in conjunction with her being honored by the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame. https://www.nugget.ca/news/marilyn-barlow-mutrie-to-receive-peter-palangio-memorial-award
We would like to acknowledge and thank the team at Sidney Care for their incredible care and support of our mom.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Mark Willey
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Rhonda (Burton) Macdonald I first met Marilyn and her family as a young girl when we all lived on Bewdley Ave in Esquimalt. Many, many, years passed and our paths crossed again at a figure skating competition. I’ll always remember Marilyn’s lovely smile and kind nature. My sincere condolences to Bob and family.
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Sandra Henry I am very sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. She always had a smile and welcome to all Heidi’s friends and was just a cool, loving Mom. What a wonderful legacy she has left for her family.
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Rebecca Stevens Mrs Barlow was such a positive and wonderful person to grow up around each day at the skating rink. She always had a smile on her face and a positive comment. Condolences to Bob and family. RIP Mrs. Barlow. You will be missed.
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Caitlin Wright I have many fond memories of skating with Mrs. Barlow at the Sooke Figure Skating Club. She was a wonderful coach, always willing to share her considerable expertise and offer encouragement no matter the level of skater. I will always remember her warm smile, her energetic manner, and her kindness, both on and off the ice. I feel very privileged to have been coached by her as a young skater and will remember her always. My sincerest condolences to Bob and the rest of her family.
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Marilyn Bate So sad to learn of Marilyn’s passing.
Thankfully our paths connected with the Love of Skating and Hockey.
Sincere Condolences to all the Barlow Family
Most Sincerely
Marilyn Bate
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Jannine Ranniger As a fellow skating coach I can honestly say the skating world has lost one of their best. Always a smile and a kind word. We coached along beside each other at many competitions and she always had something positive and nice to say to me about my skaters. Like I said a smile and a kind word, that was Marilyn. She will be missed.
Jannine Ranniger
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Robyn Wein Dear Bob, Lori, Wendy, and Heidi and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Marilyn’s passing. She was a remarkable woman, full of warmth, energy, and an infectious sense of humor. Marilyn’s dedication to her family, community, and tennis was truly admirable. Her cheerful disposition and big smile will be remembered. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this time. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared together and in the love and support of those around you.
With deepest sympathy,
Robyn Wein (Molson), Nenagh, Glenn, Hilaire and Oonagh and family
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Barb Cross Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Barlow family ❤️ Many memories of Bob through family gatherings, Marilyn during many (many) figure skating events – always such special times with such special people.
Love ‘n hugs Lori, Wendy, and Heidi from the Chris and Barb Cross Family xo
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Brianna Wright I have many good memories of time on the ice with Mrs. Barlow (I will always think of her this way!) from my years skating at the Sooke Figure Skating Club. She was kind, generous with her expertise no matter what level of skater she taught, and kept things fun and lively for all of us who were lucky enough to be coached by her. She had a wonderful smile and warmth that will be missed. I’m so grateful for the impact she had on my life when I was young and I will remember her fondly always. Condolences to Bob and the rest of her family during this difficult time.
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Lynda Slater Dear Bob and family: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Marilyn. My family wish to convey their sincerest condolences in the loss of an amazing woman. Always positive, smiling and having fun! She taught so many the passion for the sport of figure skating and so many of her students today I see at the arena here in Sooke. She was an inspiration.
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Susan Morriss (Anderson) Sincere condolences to all the Barlow family. Marilyn was an amazing lady and such a wonderful contributor to the sport of figure skating. Having known her for over 50 years, her smile and enthusiasm will truly be missed. RIP Marilyn.
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Sharon White Dear Wendy, Lori, Heidi and all of your loved ones. I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. The last time I saw her was at the 55+ BC Games opening ceremonies in Victoria and she was giving Wendy the best audience for Wendy’s speech. My twin Sandy (McClary) and I crossed paths many times with your families via high school, Metro Toyota, volunteerism, work and play & know that this loss of a great woman is incredibly heartbreaking. Our warmest love and hugs to everyone.
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Dave Stevens My condolences to Bob and family on Marilyn’s passing. I had the pleasure of having Marilyn as a patient for many years . She was a warm, kind, delightful ,caring person. She was a great wife to Bob and a wonderful mother to her children and grandchildren . She will be missed.
Affectionately,
Dr. Dave Stevens
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John McKeachie It’s been a while Bob and Wendy but I do fondly remember all of you. Condolences and remember the good times as there will many to choose from.
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Sonia (Burling) Polson I’m so sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. I knew Marilyn through our shared world of skating. I was coaching in Victoria when Marilyn and Bob moved to Victoria. Marilyn was such a lovely woman….her smile and her genuine kindness will always be the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of her. She was so proud of her children. The skating world has lost a gem. My sincere condolences to Bob and family.
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Rob Taggart Marilyn Barlow was a lovely person to know and have as a neighbour. To us, she was “Heidi’s Mom” with a warm and smiley demeanor, so we are sad for our friend Heidi, Marilyn’s husband Bob, and all the many family members. We know how much she will be missed as we know how close your family has been. May memories of Marilyn keep you smiling. Rob and Brenda Taggart
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Noreen Russell We are saddened to hear that your mum passed away , know that we are thinking of you .
Warmest regards.
Noreen and Glen
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Simone Hummel I am sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. I have good memories of her and I skating together as a pair in competitions. She will be missed.
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Mena Westhaver Mrs. Barlow, how I referred to her right into my middle-age years, was someone I always looked up to and deeply respected. Although she wasn’t my immediate coach, I knew as a young skater I could always rely on her or ask her anything – she was so kind. I have fond memories of many conversations with Mrs. Barlow in particular when my husband and I visited with her and Bob in their basement, also known as Bob’s shrine. Thank you, Mrs. Barlow for having a positive impact on my life. You will be missed.
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Wendy Jordan So sorry for your loss. I remember Marilyn back in the 80’s at the Juan de Fuca arena where my girls skated. She always had a big smile on her face. Always very friendly. RIP Marilyn.
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Ron Leslie Our condolences to Bob and family for the loss of wife and mother We are happy to be present in North Bay for Marilyn,s skating achievements. Ron and Gerry Leslie
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Sandra Miller I am so glad I was able to visit your lovely home in Cordova Bay with your sister and my best friend Gloria, just 7 years ago. I was fortunate to see Marilyn do the splits in her living room and I was stunned. She sure was agile to say the least. I will treasure that trip and her recipes I have one that she gave me. Your spirit and love will live on in your family and with all those you have touched. You have left a wonderful legacy and we will meet again.
Our condolences to Bob and family,I just came across this article and was so saddened to hear of her passing. Marilyn was a wonderful person who we had the pleasure and opportunity to know and spend time with we had so many great times and memories with her and your family in Arizona and Vancouver Island during the summers. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Best wishes: The Willey family