It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Margo Larayne Oliver (nee Johnson). She fought a courageous and long battle with MS, but it was time for her to hang up her sword and return home.
She will be missed by her husband and champion, Mark; her children, Dustin, Morgan and Colson (Coley); and her grandchildren, Liam, Madison and Lochlan. Also left to mourn are her sisters, Laurie Olmsted, Leslie Johnson, Val (Lorenzo) Murphy, Kris (Trevor) Gilmore; her brothers, Randy (Wendy) Johnson and Russ (Rhonda) Johnson; her mother-in-law, Hazel Oliver; brother-in-law, Andy (Linda) Oliver; her sisters-in-law, Vicki (Peter) Freeman and Jill (Bob) Lloyd; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Ernie and Mic (nee Jenkins) Johnson, and her father-in-law, Fred Oliver.
Margo was born on Jan. 9, 1961, the fourth child of Ernie and Mic. She was a trusting soul and managed to survive the many pranks of her older siblings with grace and humour. Her school years were spent in Pincher Creek attending Canyon Elementary and Matthew Halton Community School. In high school she began working with the RCMP detachment as work experience and it was then that she decided that she would either marry an RCMP officer or become one. Upon graduation, she enrolled in the law enforcement program at Lethbridge Community College, which led her to the profession of custom officer. During her career, she worked the borders of Coutts, Chief Mountain, Aldergrove, Roosville and Kingsgate. Although not an RCMP officer herself, she did manage to get her man when she was introduced to Const. Mark Oliver. They married on Oct. 6, 1984. She did apply to become an RCMP officer but was eight months pregnant with Dustin when her acceptance finally arrived. While living in Revelstoke, Mark and Margo added two more children to their family. Dustin was joined by Morgan and a few years later, Colson arrived on the scene. Her family was complete. Margo enjoyed being a mom and her children were her most precious treasures. In 2005 she became a grandmother for the first time when Liam was born. Her joy at this event was wondrous to watch. She welcomed two more tiny treasures to her heart; Madison in 2006 and Lochlan in 2008.
In 1989 – the family moved to Boston Bar and in 1991 they moved to Cranbrook, where they finally set down some deep roots. Although she always had great friends wherever she went and she maintained those relationships even from a distance, staying in one place really helped her to cultivate richer friendships.
There are many people who remember her “Murder Mystery” parties and her infamous St. Patrick’s Day party also known as “Tim Finnegan’s Wake”. Her sense of humour and ability to find fun in everything was incredible to witness and be part of.
She was tremendously talented. Her musical taste was eclectic – she loved Nana Mouskouri, Great Big Sea and Rita MacNeil among others. She also loved watching movies and had a challenge on Facebook for people to guess the movie quote. Her movie choices were as varied as her music was but she often talked about “Sling Blade” and “Simon Birch”.
When Mark retired from the RCMP they decided to move to P.E.I. Mark was from Nova Scotia and the laid back way of life in the Maritimes was a real draw for them both. On Nov. 1, 2006, Mark and Margo moved into their new home in Montague, P.E.I. Once again, in a few short years, she managed to surround herself with good people and great friends. She would call this place home until she left this world for another on March 1, 2011, at the age of 50.
Please join us in celebrating Margo’s life during an Open House on Saturday March 5, 2011, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oliver’s home, The Old Dr. McIntyre’s estate.
Arrangements entrusted to Ferguson’s Montague Funeral Home.
If so desired, memorials to the Multiple Sclerosis Society would be appreciated.
www.fergusonsfh.com

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