Ada Marigold Cribb (nee Lawrie)

October 18, 1931 – July 20, 2022

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, A. Marigold Cribb, age 90, of Saskatoon and Regina. Marigold is survived by her daughter, Fiona (John) and grandchildren Anna and Finn; son Alastair (Georgie) and grandchildren Evan (Lula) and Emily; and daughter Alina (Tony). Marigold was predeceased by her husband, Peter, in 2015, her sister, Claire Lawrie, and her parents Edwin and Mari Lawrie, and her close cousin Ian Lucas.

Marigold was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1931, to Edwin Lawrie, a Scottish Surgeon based in Malaysia, and a feisty, fiery Welsh born nurse, Mari Lawrie (nee Thomas). Marigold was a traveller from birth, spending her first 5 years in Penang, the Malaysian Highlands, Australia, and Scotland. In 1936, she started boarding school in Scotland, and was never reunited with her father, as he died in Changi Prison during the war in 1943. With her parents stranded overseas during the war years, Marigold was fortunate to eventually move from boarding school, to Troon, Ayrshire, where she lived with family friends, Archie and Dayse Fraser. Marigold treasured her time with their daughter, Hazel, who was like a younger sister to her.

In about 1948, Marigold was reunited with her mother, and sister, Claire (whom she had never met). They had escaped to Australia on the last boat out of Singapore in 1942, and had weathered the war years there.

Marigold attended the University of Edinburgh and following her Degree in Applied Maths and Physics, was introduced to the work world at Rolls Royce and then for Ferrantis. She met Peter while he was attending Veterinary College, and they married on January 7, 1956. They shared a deep love of animals, the outdoors, the environment, and the improvement of the community. Marigold took up Sculpture during Peter’s first Veterinary Job in Leeds, but then became heavily involved in the Veterinary Practice which they bought in 1957 in Thorne, Yorkshire. They started their family there: Fiona (1959), and Alastair (1960).

In 1962, the adventure bug hit the family, and immigration to Canada ensued. Eventually Peter and Marigold established the first Veterinary Practice North of the Peace river, in Fort St. John, BC. They spent 5 years enjoying the wide open spaces, and the young community. Their youngest, Alina, was born in Fort St.John.

On a cross Canada trip to Montreal’s Expo ’67, they stopped in at the newly established Western College of Veterinary College in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Peter was excited to be offered a position as an Assistant Professor in the Field Service, and a move was planned. Marigold was ambivalent to leave the north, and the active role in the Veterinary Practice, and wondered what Saskatoon would bring, however, as often happens, new opportunities presented themselves. Marigold obtained an Advanced Degree in Fine Arts, and became increasingly involved in the art world, and the Saskatchewan Craft Council (SCC). Marigold enjoyed the camaraderie of the SCC, and was involved in the renovation of a church on Idylwyld Drive into a gallery, and the eventual move of the organization to Broadway Avenue. Marigold’s artistic endeavors, and explorations, ranged from sculpture, to painting, to printmaking, to basket making from local materials, to book making, and beyond. Many, many, happy days were spent in creative pursuits, and many fascinating people came into our lives.

In the mid-70’s, Marigold and Peter designed and built a passive solar house in the country. They had never built anything before! A practice shed was built, and then Alastair, and Peter, led the campaign. There was a stream of University Students, artistic friends, and professors, and many others who helped to build that unique home, and the years that followed brought many animals (particular mention to be made of Hermie that goat), plants, and experiences into their lives.

Marigold and Peter were interested in everything, and travelled the world together. They advocated for the environment, engaged in politics, and in their younger years, hosted some raucous Scottish Ceilidhs.

Marigold was devoted to her children’s education, sports, and other varied activities, and supported them in all aspects. Marigold was always willing to try her hand at new things and new adventures. She cared devotedly for her husband through the difficult years of his dementia. She was always interested in her grandchildren’s endeavours and followed their lives closely.

In retirement, Marigold continued her art work, but became passionately involved with a hard working group to help design, and launch, a children’s discovery museum in Saskatoon (now known as Nutrien Wonderhub). She was passionate about the project, and was ecstatic to see it grow to a reality.

After 50 years in Saskatoon, Marigold had many and varied friendships in Saskatoon, and around the world. Marigold’s enthusiasm, and zest for life, will be missed.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 8th, 2022 at 10 AM, at McClure United Church, 4025 Taylor St E, Saskatoon, with a light lunch to follow.

Special thanks to the staff of Precious Villa, in Regina, for all the wonderful care they gave to Marigold.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nutrien Wonderhub, (Saskatchewan’s children’s museum). www.wonderhub.ca/support.