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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
GUNN, Margaret (Margo) (née YUEN) - Margaret (Margo) Gunn (nee Yuen), aged 91, passed away peacefully at Deer Lodge Hospital after a long and difficult battle with cancer. She fought with the same independence and determination that carried her throughout her life, but finally surrendered on March 10, 2025.
Margaret was born August 12, 1933, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was small in stature, but full of moxie. Margo loved sports. She played guard for her high school basketball team at Daniel Mcintyre Collegiate. She served with the RCAF as a Recreation Specialist. After the air force Margaret played softball as a catcher and then took up curling. In her youth Margo enjoyed a little sweat and friendly competition.
A voracious reader she kept stacks of books, of all kinds, near and dear for most of her life. Margaret had great respect for literature, but read for sheer enjoyment. Also, throughout her life Margaret kept friends of fur and feather. She was a staunch animal advocate. With her partner Pearl, Margaret ran her own pet care service. A business of love as much as profit. She was curious and thoughtful, given to games and puzzles to occupy her mind. She was also known to favour an occasional pull on a one armed bandit.
After the RCAF Margaret remained in Winnipeg for a time. She worked as an usher, joined the naval reserve and held clerical positions with the federal government. While working as an usher she met her future husband. They married and moved to Barrie, Ontario. Margaret had a son and the family moved to Scarborough and then Mississauga. The marriage ended in Mississauga and Margaret took her son back to Winnipeg to start over.
Margaret felt at home in Winnipeg. She loved “the open sky” and “change of seasons”. No amount of cajoling could convince her of the charms of west coast living, under clouds and in the drizzle, with its temperate weather.
In Winnipeg Margaret found employment with Motor Coach Industries as a buyer. She spent many years there and enjoyed organizing office pools and games. An attractive voice for the phone garnered attention. However, Margaret soon met her companion for the next 40 years, Pearl Wylie.
In retirement Margaret kept busy. With Pearl she ran Sweet Dreams Personal Pet Care service. They delivered papers, meals and volunteered with the elderly. Together, with the help of good friends and family, Margaret and Pearl built a cabin in Traverse Bay, off Lake Winnipeg. In Margaret’s elder years she volunteered, played board games with Good Neighbours, kept the company of many special friends and enjoyed an occasional outing to South Beach Casino.
Margaret was predeceased by her father Chan (Charlie) Yuen, her sister Joyce Hayman and her companion Pearl Wylie.
Margaret is survived by her son David Gunn and his companion Mary Shire, her niece Gail Iwan and husband Dale with their sons Cooper and Adam, and nephew Keith Hayman. She leaves behind many fond friends. Shirley, Lorraine, Connie and Martin were all very special to Margaret. Susie, Gord and the Salter family were of great comfort to her. Margaret will be missed by her board gaming friends at Good Neighbours.
We will remember Margaret for her attentive ear, miss her warm heart and take inspiration from her resilient spirit.
Margaret wished not to have a service. She preferred that any gifts be made to the Cancer Research Society. (The Winnipeg Free Press 12 Apr 2025)
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