Tribute

Marina Catherine Boehr (nee Fast) was born to Jacob and Tina Fast on February 6, 1935, in Coaldale Alberta, the fifth of 8 siblings and the first one to be born in a hospital.  As a Russian Mennonite immigrant family, they faced many hardships but with the love and help of extended family they were resilient and persevered.

The family moved to Chilliwack in 1946 but returned to Coaldale to attend the marriage of her cousin, July 1, 1961.  There she met John who was the brother of the groom.  They said it was love at first sight and talked the evening away.  Exactly one year later, John asked Marina to marry her, and they were married October 5, 1962 and celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary earlier this year.

They moved to Vancouver and then Burnaby to raise a family.  Cheryl was born in 1965, Bobby in 1967 and Norman in 1969.  They moved into the house on Gilpin Court in 1969 and stayed there 50 years.  Marina spent most of her time caring for the family and the home, enjoying family trips fishing, going to the beach, visiting family or a simple Sunday afternoon picnic in the park.  She helped supplement the family income selling Avon and Watkins products.

She loved Jesus and read Bible stories to the kids every night and prayed with them.  She did various ministries in the church, often alongside John or other lifelong friends.  She also spent many years on leadership with Bible Study Fellowship.  She was a prayer warrior for her family.

Marina’s greatest joys in life came with family and she was overjoyed as Rhian and Shannon joined the family as daughter-in-laws and over-overjoyed with three amazing grandsons – Rhys, Bryce and James.  She loved them dearly and would always make sure they had birthday cakes, Christmas cookies and somewhere they could always get a loving hug and affectionate kiss.

Marina battled Wegener’s disease which enlarged her blood vessels and attacked her organs, ultimately succumbing to the disease December 6, 2022.  Marina was able to see and pray for her family at her bedside over her last 36 hours.

She was predeceased by her siblings Ike and Mary, Neta, Emma (Jake), Ed (Nell), John (Beth) and Murray (Alice).
She will be greatly missed by her husband, John of 60 years, children Cheryl, Norman (Rhian), Bob (Shannon), grandchildren Rhys (Tahnee), Bryce and James.