MARJORIE RUTH DENNIS

With much sadness, the family of Marjorie Ruth Dennis (née McMaster) announces the news of her passing on Sunday, October 20th, two days before her 87th birthday. Predeceased by husband, Carl Duncan Dennis (d.1991), she died peacefully, surrounded by her children, Susan (Collis), Lisa (Cieplucha), and Christopher. She will be deeply missed by her three children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Daughter of the late D. Ross and Betty McMaster, Marj is survived by her brother, Michael McMaster (Montreal), and sister, Joan McMaster (Vancouver); she joins sister, Susan Holmes (Vancouver, d. 2019), and brother, David McMaster (Montreal, d. 2012). Marj spent her formative years in Montreal. She was a true renaissance woman – an avid volunteer, golfer, artist, mentor, and gardener. She was a delightful mosaic of creativity, commitment, integrity, and humour – a talented and generous person who impacted so many. She was particularly well known for her involvement in the equestrian world. She held Equine Canada National Judge's cards for over 45 years, an international FEI card for 20 years. She co-founded the Trillium Circuit in Ontario, served as the Chairman of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Horse Show (84-89) Manager of the RAWF Horse Show (90-97), and was a member of a number of key committees. Quite simply, there was a time when Marj's name was synonymous with the Royal Horse Show. She was named Jump Canada's Official of the Year in 2007, served as President of the Ground Jury for a number of prestigious FEI competitions, and was event manager of significant competitions such as the Cheltenham Gold Cup (77-88) and the Loblaws Classic (89-92); she was part of the organizing committee for the Pan-American Games in 1999. The list goes on. Marj spent the last five years of her life courageously battling dementia. Her family wants to extend their sincere thanks to the team at the Allendale Care Facility in Milton, Ontario, who conscientiously and warmly helped her in her last months. There will be a Celebration of Life Service for her on Saturday, December 7th, at a location to be announced. Marj's family hopes the event will be more laughs than tears as they celebrate her wonderful life.