Once described as a person "who helps to define the character of this city," former city councillor and volunteer Marlene Nedelcov passed away on Friday at the age of 71 years.
Once described as a person "who helps to define the character of this city," former city councillor and volunteer Marlene Nedelcov passed away on Friday at the age of 71 years.
The 15-year veteran of city council and volunteer in her church and for numerous interests in the community, she leaves to mourn her husband Jim, daughter Susan (Rick) Nedelcov-Anderson, and son Richard Nedelcov.
Born July 15, 1940 in Davidson, Marlene took all her schooling in Weyburn, and married Jim on Aug. 17, 1959, going on to raise two children, Susan (born in 1966) and Richard (born in 1968).
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Knox Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m.
"It's a great loss to Weyburn, because she has made so many contributions to the community," said former council colleague and longtime friend Ray Hamm.
"Without Marlene, I doubt we would have the Tatagwa Parkway, because she got it going. Without Marlene, I doubt we would have the indoor pool; she and I worked together on that. And most recently, she was on the Triple C Centre board; she was in on the ground floor of that organization and was a very enthusiastic supporter of the arts," said Hamm.
As a member of council, he added, "She was very honourable in everything she did; it was for the good of the community. All the decisions she made, she took a look at what was best, and was held in high regard by everyone."
As a member of Knox Presbyterian, Rev. John Ferrier called her a "key member" of the congregation.
"Marlene seemed to have boundless energy and boundless talent. When I first came, Cathy McMillan was the organist, and Marlene played piano that made for some really beautiful music. At that time, for a few years after, we had a junior and senior choir, and she led and instructed both of them," he said, adding she was also the co-chair of the church's centennial committee in 1999.
"Marlene had a wonderful ability to organize people, and people were so willing and eager to work with her. She had a really nice and kind way of going about things," he said.
Ron Jeffery recalled her involvement as the manager of Weyburn Oil Show board when she retired from council in 2000.
"She contributed so much; she had been on the board for many years as a volunteer. She did such a marvelous job, she's a very big part of the success the Oil Show is today; she made wonderful contacts, and she was so well-known and so well-liked," he said.
"She was a great community supporter, and worked in so many areas," said Isabelle Butters. "I watched her grow up into a beautiful person. We need more people like Marlene Nedelcov, because she was top-notch."
"Marlene was on the original performing arts centre committee, and she was much appreciated. She was a solid supporter of the Triple C Centre as well," added Butters.
Her involvement in the community included secretary of Weyburn Music Auxiliary, chair of the Crocus Festival, board member of Saskatchewan CrimeStoppers, chair of the Weyburn Parks board, secretary of the Heritage Village, co-chair of the Weyburn Wheat Festival and two-term president of the Association of Saskatchewan Urban Parks and Conservation Agencies.
She was awarded the Golden Spike in 2001, the 2002 Queen's Jubilee Medal, Sask. Centennial Leadership Award, the Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club, the Optimist Club Respect for the Law Shield, and the Saskatchewan Parks and Rec Award of Merit.
