In Memory of

Fern

Partington

Muirhead

(Gorrie)

Obituary for Fern Partington Muirhead (Gorrie)

Fern Partington Muirhead passed away on Sunday, October 13th, 2019 at the age of 85 years. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, John Charles Muirhead; children, Deb (Bryan) Kolb of Fernie, BC; grandchildren, Seana and Graeme Lees, Kostie, Pamela, Andrew, and Matthew Muirhead, great-grandchildren, Khloe and Felix Lees, Jackson and Lincoln Fisher, and Ceilidh Muirhead; sister, Cheryl (Michael) Whitehead of Ludington, Michigan; and numerous nieces and nephews. Fern was predeceased by her parents; and sons, Murray John in 1978 and Eric Andrew in 2012. Fern was born on January 4th, 1934, in MacGregor, Manitoba, the eldest daughter of Ken and Eva (Mawson) Gorrie. She grew up in several Manitoba towns before she and John were married in Camrose, AB on September 11th, 1952; shortly afterwards moving to Ottawa where Deb and Murray were born. The family relocated to Ralston in 1957; Eric was born in Medicine Hat in 1960 and then, in 1963, the family moved to Medicine Hat which has been home ever since. Fern taught accounting and related subjects, as well as English, for several years at Garbutt Business College. This was very a very enjoyable time in Fern’s life. Fern lived a full and interesting life with a variety of interests, activities, and hobbies as she and John watched their family grow and mature. Over the years these activities included family camping trips, and visits; choir singing, Brownie Leader, politics and elections, needlework of all kinds, church activities, and genealogy and family history. A curling career, begun in high school in Manitoba and ending in her Senior years, included many seasons of bonspiels and competitions, with lasting friendships made. Fern considered herself most fortunate to have participated in Canadian Curling Finals – ladies in 1966 and 1969, and Sr. ladies in 1985 and 1987, earning All-Star Second Medal. She received the Medicine Hat Female Athlete Medal in 1988. In 1982, Fern and John moved to a country residence South of Dunmore, Alberta to enjoy some hobby farming during their retirement years. The Funeral Service will be held at ST. JOHN'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 504 - 2nd Street SE, on Saturday, November 9th, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Lackie officiating. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Fern Muirhead.