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MARGARET FENTUM Obituary pic

MARGARET FENTUM

Date of Passing: Jan 13, 2019

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MARGARET FENTUM Margaret Fentum (nee Paul) passed peacefully on January 13, 2019 at Deer Lodge Hospital. She was a larger than life character who was active in the Manitoba horse community as well as Scottish Country Dancing. She often organized volunteers for various horse competitions, the 1999 Pan American Games and personally volunteered with the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society. Born in Southampton, England, Margaret trained as a Phys Ed teacher and all sports were her passion. She had competed on numerous teams in England and around Europe in fencing, field hockey, swimming and Scottish Country Dance before marrying Brian Fentum in 1964. Margaret and Brian immigrated to Canada in 1967, settling first on Community Row, before buying property and building a house by themselves just outside Winnipeg on Roblin Boulevard. Margaret will be remembered for her sense of humour and her love of fun and silliness. She was a story-teller and could spin a yarn keeping a whole crowd entertained. She will also be remembered for her love of animals; she was never without a well-trained dog or two at her side. Margaret is survived by her two daughters, Moira and Alison, and her granddaughter Rebecca. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. A Celebration of Life will be held in Winnipeg at a future date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 23, 2019

Condolences & Memories (3 entries)

  • My deepest sympathies to Alison, Moira, Rebecca, and their families. As you know, your mom was close to my heart. I met Margaret about 5 years ago, as she came into my place of business. Not needing an eye exam that day, but just to talk to us girls. I got a pretty good idea after that hour that she was one interesting lady with a fantastic sense of humour. We were destined to be friends. Her visits were weekly and soon we were hanging out most days, bringing out each others' best and quirky side. We had lots of giggles in the day and long telephone conversations in the evenings. When we departed, I'd say to her "Take Care", and she'd say "never mind take care, Have Fun!!" It took me a while, but I eventually caught on. Our lunches at Tim's and Santorini's won't be the same, she had a way of bringing the regulars into conversation. I enjoyed sitting with her and Daggs on her front step, talking about her as a little girl in England and all that life offered her as she grew up. She was proud of Alison & Moira and spoke of them highly. I'm thankful for the communication I've had with Alison, she couldn't have had better daughters. Margaret trusted me with taking her other pride & joy Daggs for runs around the block, but was to be careful as he was a "Houdini" and warned me of his escapes. I wish I had met Margaret many years ago, but am so glad to have spent the time I did with her. She truly did make this world a better place. Good bye my dear friend. Until we meet again........ "Have Fun!" Cindy Dornn - Posted by: Cindy Dornn (Friend) on: Feb 06, 2019

  • Margaret was a true friend. We met when our children were just born, and have shared diverse activities together over the years. Margaret introduced me to the volunteer position of jump judge for the Manitoba Horse Council, and she volunteered at the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, with me, on the workshop team. She was awarded Volunteer of the Year for this work, and she was proud to have her granddaughter, Rebecca, in attendance for the presentation. Margaret loved the Bunch of Grapes - a British Musical Group in Winnipeg, and helped with their performances. She had a wonderful sense of humour and a fighting spirit. Anything was possible for Margaret - "you just got on and did it!". She had so many skills from knitting to working with leather on a commercial sewing machine; from gardening to training dogs and everything was done to a high standard. She was a smart, intelligent lady. Margaret was so proud of her daughters, Alison and Moira, her granddaughter Rebecca and son-in-law Jamie. Yes, she was a loyal and generous friend. We will miss her. Jane Burpee - Posted by: Jane Burpee (Friend) on: Jan 28, 2019

  • Strangely, I had been meaning to call Margaret to see how she was doing. Tired of procrastinating had decided to do it today. Too late! I first met Margaret in the mid 1960s when Brian invited me over for dinner in Ealing where we were all living. Brian and I lived close to each other when we were classmates in Harrow prior to his meeting Margaret. I recall Brian and Margaret going up to Scotland on a motor bike to ski. That took a lot of dedication and commitment to the sport. They were both always warm, friendly and good company. They were both keen on the outdoors - Margaret more so. Spent a couple of days with them in 1972 at their house on the Assiniboine River in Headingley. Unfortunately, despite repeated invitations Brian, Margaret, Allison and Moira did not make it out to the west coast to visit. Enjoyed a visit and long chat over dinner with Margaret and Allison while on a business trip to Winnipeg some years ago. My heartfelt sympathies to Moira, Allison and their families and hope as we share in their grief we may lessen its impact on them. Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg in particular and the world have lost a truly wonderful, giving, person. One always keen to volunteer and organize to get things done. Keith - Posted by: Keith Fernandes (Friend and classmate of Brian's in th emid -60s at Harrow) on: Jan 27, 2019

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