Obituary of Laura Marion Gove

It is with deep sadness that the family of Laura Marion Gove announces the passing of a loving aunt, great aunt, great-great aunt, – and truly great aunt. Quietly and peacefully, in the early evening of Thursday, July 16, 2015, Marion succumbed to the cancer that her tiny and aged body no longer had the strength to fight. Born Laura Marion Black in Indian Head, Saskatchewan on October 10, 1923 to Donald “Dan” (1881-1970) and Laura Elsie (Dunnington) Black (1884-1980), she was raised on the family farm. Marion received her primary education – along with her older brother and sister, Doug and Eileen – in the one-room school house located on the farm. Following high school in Indian Head, Marion moved to Regina to take secretarial training at Balfour Technical School, after which she worked in the medical field. It was in Regina she met a dashing young man from Pense by the name of Ken Gove and they married in 1951. Ken was in management in the wholesale grocery business which led them to live in North Battleford, Weyburn and Swift Current before Ken was finally transferred to head office in Winnipeg where they lived until Ken’s sudden passing in 1970. Marion moved back to Regina and worked for the Government of Canada until she retired in 1987. Before Ken’s passing, he and Marion discovered Arizona and vacationed there often. Marion continued to enjoy many winter visits there: first with Doug and Edna before her retirement, and then after with Duncan, Don and Leanne. Marion loved people and loved to be with them and share many laughs. She was a good friend to many. Until the last few days of her life, Marion lived very independently in her condo, over-looking the old U of R Regina Campus, where she enjoyed her crossword puzzles and watching sports on TV with Duncan. In addition to her parents and her beloved husband Ken, Marion was also predeceased by: her sister Eileen Totten (1998) and husband Elmer in (1983), and their son Allan Totten (2012); and, her brother Doug Black (2006) and wife Edna (2000). She is survived by: her very special friend Duncan Spence of Regina; niece Gina Totten of Keewatin, ON; nephews Gordon Totten of New Westminster, BC; Dean Black and Laura Lee, of Saskatoon; Don Black and Leanne of Regina; and, Ken Randall and Pauline, of London, ON; grand-niece Heather (Randall) Bennett of London; grand-nephews Trevor Black and Tusia; David Black and Dara, and their sons, great grand-nephews, Dylan and Kade, all of Saskatoon; and, from Regina, grand-nephews Dallas Black; Dustin Black and Kim, and their children great grand–nephew Daegan and great grand-niece Rain - the first female “Black” born in the 92 years since aunt Marion was born. The family extends sincere gratitude for the care provided by Dr. Ferguson at the Allan Blair Clinic; and, to each and every member of the wonderfully caring and compassionate palliative care team on 3A at the Pasqua Hospital, all of whom contributed to helping Leanne and Don make Marion’s final few days and passing as comfortable and peaceful as possible. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Wascana Golf and Country Club, 6500 Wascana Parkway, on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. A light lunch will be served. At Marion’s request, a private family graveside service will be held at which time her ashes will be laid to rest beside Ken at Regina Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may wish to make a donation in Marion’s memory to: Regina Palliative Care Inc., 4F - 4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, SK S4T 1A5; or, to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan, #1 – 345 3rd Avenue South, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1M6.