After a short battle with cancer, Tammie-Lynn Mary Malcolm, age 62, passed away peacefully at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital, in Kenora, ON, on November 12, 2024. Tammie faced her final moments on her own terms, surrounded by her family of choice, and accompanied by the tunes of Fleetwood Mac.
Much to Tammie’s amusement in her final hours, a hospital staffer pointed out that “only badass people die on their birthday” – and they were right – Tammie was an undisputed badass. She was fiercely loyal and kind, with an impeccable moral compass, strong opinions, and a great sense of humour. Her loss has left a void in the lives of those who loved her dearly, and she will be missed.
Tammie was born in Thunder Bay, ON and raised in Kenora, ON. In 1980, Tammie attended military basic training. She went on to Canadian Forces Military Police Academy (CFB Borden) in 1981, serving with the Airborne for a number of years before taking a position as a Bylaw Enforcement Officer with the Township of Jaffray Mellick in 1986. Following the amalgamation of the City of Kenora, she went on to become a Maintenance Operator doing community services for the city from 2000 until her retirement in 2018. Tammie was also a member of the Canadian Royal Purple Society for a number of years.
Retirement didn’t end up lasting very long for Tammie. Not one to be idle, Tammie reemployed with Walmart Canada – first in Customer Service and Health and Safety, before moving to the Cash Office where she continued to work until her health no longer permitted her to do so. Tammie’s unfiltered approach to life always left an impression, good and bad, but never mediocre.
Tammie is predeceased by her beloved mother Shirley Marinovic (nee Wasney), her grandparents, and her dogs Sammy and Ryder, who have surely showered her with hugs and kisses at the pearly gates.
Tammie was cremated on Saturday, November 16, 2024 and, as per her wishes, will be interred privately in her family plot in the Lake of the Woods Cemetery at a later date.
Please remember Tammie and keep her alive in the stories you tell, the memories you share, and the traditions you keep. While she is gone, let her never be forgotten by those who knew and loved her.
Pardon Me for Not Getting Up
Oh dear, if you’re reading this right now,
I must have given up the ghost.
I hope you can forgive me for being
Such a stiff and unwelcoming host.
Just talk amongst yourself my friends,
And share a toast or two.
For I am sure you will remember well
How I loved to drink with you.
Don’t worry about mourning me,
I was never easy to offend.
Feel free to share a story at my expense
And we’ll have a good laugh at the end.
– Poem By Kelly Roper