INDUSTRY MOURNS PASSING OF BILL MARR
Sept 26, 2017
December 30, 1933 – September 7, 2017
Bill Marr died at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital, in Kenora, Ontario. Bill was born in Winnipeg on December 30, 1933 to parents, Bill and Dorothy Marr. The family moved to Kenora when Bill was 11 years old and he instantly immersed himself in town life and the Lake. Following school in Kenora where he enjoyed the music program and Barbershop Quartet, he attended the University of Manitoba earning a Commerce degree. During the summers, he oversaw operations at North Star Dock, providing gas and boat taxi services. After University, he founded Marr’s Marine with his partner Al (Didi) Engstrom in 1957, in Kenora. Many a boat and motor was bought and serviced in the blue building on the Lake at the foot of Main Street. Expansion led to the wholesale distribution business, resulting in a move to Winnipeg where he lived for 37 years. Marr’s Leisure Products grew to become one of the leading distributors and manufacturers of recreational products in Canada. Throughout his business career, he always returned to summer in his beloved Kenora. For leisure he travelled the world, always with Norah and often with wonderful lifelong friends. Fall meant duck hunting. For 30 years he’d head to BC to fish for salmon with the same pals. His camp on Gun Club Island hosted many a family reunion and old school pal reunions through the years. He enjoyed both summer and winter.
Bill is fondly remembered by his wife and best friend of 60 years, Norah (Collins), his son Bill (Debra and children, Gabriella, Alessandra and Sebastian), son Glenn (Nathalie and son Aidan), son Geoff and son Peter (children, Justin, Kristin, Logan and Morgan). He was predeceased by daughter Nancy, in 1979. His sister Bette Stout resides in Kenora.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital or the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com
