[chuckt]

I never met Marnie - but a scant 6 months ago I had posted on the Carving Mag forum I think, (or maybe I emailed her directly) about my frustration at not being able to find the most recent issue on the stand at Barnes & Noble. I expressed that based on the Newstand date posted on the site, I had been making repeated trips to get it at B&N and was trying to figure out where I could find it near me. Well, Marnie replied personally and expressed how sorry she was that I was having trouble finding it and said to send her my address and she would send one out to me immediately - FREE!!! She was as good as her word and I got it 2 days later. I IMMEDIATELY called in my subscription.

That kind of dedication and devotion to helping folks and promoting carving is I think what made Marnie so special to many of us who never met her in person. She was a class act and will be sorely missed by those who barely knew her - let alone those who knew her and loved her.

Our prayers are with them.

ChuckT

[Jim OH]

It was with great sorrow I received the news of Marnie's passing. I only met Marnie twice at carving events and after the first meeting I felt she was a friend, and meeting her the second time was like seeing family. Marnie was a wonderful person and gave a lot to the carving community. She was so easy to talk to and made you feel right at home. We will all miss her.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Whillock family. May the Lord ease your sorrow and give you wonderful memories of the time you had with Marnie. A phrase that has helped me;
God gives us love,
something to love he lends us.

Jim OH

[rick-in-seattle]

I met Marnie several years ago.
Honestly, my first impression was that of a spoiled Daddy's girl.

My opinion has changed over time as I spoke with her and exchanged emails.
Marnie loved life; and lived it with more enthusiasm than most people I know.

My association with Marnie had grown as her business grew. I handled most of the sharpening for her company. Marnie was my best (sharpening) customer.

I will miss her on both a personal and professional level.

This has been a difficult year, with the number of carving friends I have lost.
That pain of loss I suppose, is the price we must pay for friendship.

[snickerbocker]

We had the pleasure of knowing Marnie personally, a beautiful vibrant young lady.
She will be sorely missed. Her family is in our prayers and she is already in a better place.

[Paul_Guraedy]

Most of us who have been diagnosed with cancer think we are somewhat prepared for the doctor to say, “It’s cancer.” Talk to those who have been there and you will soon realize that you are not! I think it is partially the knowledge that life will never be the same. There is a long, difficult road ahead and survival is not assured.

Having the support of friends and family certainly helps. It is great to know that caring folks are with you. But, the journey can be made a lot easier by talking to someone that you do not know. Someone with an understanding not possible by anyone who has not been there. I was still in the work world at the time of the first diagnosis (I have heard those dreaded words on 3 occasions) and word spread rapidly. There were many emails of sympathy and support; but, the best were from caring people saying, “don’t know you, but, wanted you to know that I’ve been there, I know what you are going through physically and mentally, here’s what helped me…..”. I vowed to do the same for others.

I only wish I had not been given so much opportunity to fulfill this pledge. But, Marnie was one of those I contacted when I became aware (through another forum) of her diagnosis. We exchanged emails with the last I received being very optimistic.

The first thing I have done when receiving the current issue of Carving Magazine was to go to the editor’s comments. I thought, and hoped, that she had managed to survive this cancer. I am saddened that she did not; but, am happy that she was able to utilize the time she was allowed to do one of the things she obviously loved very much. Marnie continued to assist those just starting out in woodcarving and to encourage excellence among those of us who have had the pleasure of carving for many years.

Our only lasting achievement in this life rests in the influence we have had on others. Marnie has certainly had a tremendous impact on the world of woodcarving and will be missed by a lot folks; personal friends, business associates, and those of us who knew her only indirectly.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Originally Posted by Jim OH

It was with great sorrow I received the news of Marnie's passing. I only met Marnie twice at carving events and after the first meeting I felt she was a friend, and meeting her the second time was like seeing family. Marnie was a wonderful person and gave a lot to the carving community. She was so easy to talk to and made you feel right at home. We will all miss her.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Whillock family. May the Lord ease your sorrow and give you wonderful memories of the time you had with Marnie. A phrase that has helped me;
God gives us love,
something to love he lends us.

Jim OH

"God gives us love, something to love he lends us"
That is a beautiful saying Jim, I have never heard that before...thank you!

[Nancy-ID]

I am shocked. I know I shouldn't be as I talked to Marnie often in chat and through emails. I knew her illness had progressed and her time here was getting short but I didn't think it was going to be this soon. I will miss chatting with her.

My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

[Mark N. Akers]

I was sadden to hear this,she fought a good fight against the cancer,The carving world will truely miss her,and my prayers are with her family.

[rick-in-seattle]

For those who choose to do so, you may share your memories of Marnie here:
http://www.boldtfuneralhome.com/whillockbeckerobituary.htm

[Mottles]

So sorry to hear of Marnie's passing.
God Bless,
Kathy