January 20, 2025

ARCHIVES FOUNDER MARION FRY KNEW MORE ABOUT GRAVENHURST THAN MOST OTHER RESIDENTS

GRAVENHURST — It used to be said that behind every successful man was a strong woman.

Never more could have been said of Marion Fry, who died today in retirement at Aurora.

She turned 99 Jan. 5.

In a death notice the family admitted that while her husband, Cyril, was “not afraid of a little limelight,” Marion “preferred to keep a low profile, but she was always busy getting things done” in Gravenhurst volunteering on various town committees and community projects.

In 2019 the couple jointly received Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ontario Heritage Trust.

**Marion Fry was a “lovely lady’ who helped start the Gravenhurst Archives in 1978. Donations to the archives in her memory wouldn’t go amiss.**

After the busy friendly couple moved to Gravenhurst in 1951, for the next 71 years they were very integral to preserving its history and memories. Specifically for 46 years ago with the Gravenhurst Archives, which Marion initiated with a couple of other residents.

And that Cyril took great pains to acknowledge of her leadership.

Marion knew as much as anyone — and more than most — in town about their history and the pioneers who founded the Gateway to Muskoka when once it was great.

**Cyril and Marion Fry accept Lifetime Achievement Awards from Lt.-Gov. Elisabeth Dowdeswell Feb. 22 at Queen’s Park. Ontario Heritage Trust**

Online tributes are pouring in.

Notably by archives members who were saddened by her passing.

Judy Humphries, who succeeded Fry, said: “If Cyril Fry was the public face of civic celebrations in Gravenhurst for so many years, it was Marion who together with Cyril preserved, protected and shared our history through their founding of Gravenhurst Archives in January 1978.

“Marion, with her early band of volunteers who included Cecil Porter and Shirley Barlow, brought Gravenhurst history to life through four books. And so many public events where displays lovingly crafted by her hands reminded us of the highlights of our history.

“Marion was the loveliest of ladies. She brought beauty to her friends and neighbours with her wonderful gardens planned and planted by her hands and tended by Cyril under careful scrutiny.

“Their stories of building their home quite literally by hand and building their lives here in Gravenhurst were a treat for any visitor. Their travel to every corner of the world made for some wonderful stories as well. But her love of her children and grandchildren was at the top of any conversation. We were so very lucky to have had her with us for so many years.

“She and Cyril have left us the legacy of Gravenhurst Archives and some wonderful memories in the hearts of all their friends and family.

“Hers was truly a life well lived.”

Fellow Archives member Janet Merkley added: “Marion was an inspiration to me and the reason I became a volunteer at the Gravenhurst Archives. Visits at their home were always filled with laughter and many wonderful stories.”

Fellow archives member Jack Cline writes: “Marion was always there ready to help. Not really understanding what I was doing in digitizing the archives. Cyril always said ‘Marion was The Archives.

“Marion came to me for help one day. A picture of the Segwun was torn and could I ‘fix it.’ I took one look at it and knew that I had another copy (not torn) and was proud as punch to present it to her 10 minutes later. She was overjoyed.

“She lives on. The name “MARION” comes up 1,008 time in our database. And while not all of them are Marion Fry, most of them are.
“R.I.P. Marion!”

As with her husband, no service will follow.

See her death notice here.