Hector, Marlon
Called Home Aug 24, 2024
“The mountains are calling and I must go”.
Radiating strength and kindness, Marlon lived a life of excellence. Marlon was born in Grassy Park, a suburb of Cape Town in South Africa, on March 11th during the 1970s, the exact date of which he never would reveal 😉. After a startling cancer diagnosis and a courageous battle fought mostly for his loved ones, Marlon departed on August 24, 2024, leaving behind the joys and tribulations of this earthly life and entering, all too soon, into the eternal life assured him through his unwavering faith in Jesus his Saviour.
After twenty years of mutual devotion (eighteen in marriage), Marlon left behind his wife, Dalise, and his treasured young daughters, Zuri and Lyrin. (“My arms are reaching out across this canyon. I'm asking you to be my true companion.” ~ Marc Cohn | “There could never be a father loved his daughter more than I love you!” ~ Paul Simon).
The baby of the family, Marlon was predeceased by his adored mother, Hilda Joan, his brothers Dennis, Ivor, and Eddie, and his father Edward. Other loved ones left behind in grief include his sisters, Glynis Swigelaar, Natalie Brown (Eldred), and Hayley Beets (Wayne), parents-in-law, Dale Jones and Louise Svingen, several brothers- & sisters-in-law (including Roslyn Hector and Dalise’s six siblings & their partners) and as an uncle/ great uncle, twenty nieces and nephews, spanning decades and continents, whom he dearly loved and would be mortified not to see mentioned by name.
Marlon had a handful of close friends who will also miss him greatly. He made easy connections wherever he went and was admired by all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Growing up with Marlon was an adventure filled with laughter, mischief, and unconditional love. His scholastic achievements were extraordinary, always top of his class in high school and receiving a bursary at University of Cape Town at the tender age of 17 where he completed his first degree. While Marlon was working at a non-profit, South Africa underwent sanctions and many NGOs were not receiving funding. During this time, Marlon worked without taking a salary because of his concern for the youth in impoverished communities. Marlon also was the driving force behind the unity of his family in Cape Town.
Marlon had a vibrant spirit and an innovative nature, always choosing a path of distinction and forging his unique identity through his theology and many passions and pursuits. He had the ability to bring resolve to most situations.
Marlon’s love for travel, technology, BBQ and diverse cuisine, photography, graphic design, epic movies, and all things “cutting edge” shone brightly. His commitment to his profession was unwavering; whether during his several years leading teams of youth staff on Royal Caribbean International’s ocean liners, his brief internship at Grocott’s newspaper in Grahamstown, South Africa, or at the Times Herald in Moose Jaw, Sask (ensuring the century-old newspaper went out with a bang!), or later in Communications roles with Sask Energy and finally as a member of the “family” at Saskatchewan College of Pharmaceutical Professionals.
Marlon equally enjoyed solitude and socializing. He navigated life's twists and turns with unparalleled courage and tenacity and a healthy dose of surrender.
Marlon’s final couple years were characterized by an arduous health battle, which he faced quite privately but head-on, with an unshakeable faith and courage that served as an inspiration to many. Our family wishes to express gratitude to the incredible medical professionals who cared for him throughout this period.
Through the peaks and valleys of life, Marlon remained a steadfast beacon of hope, a great listener to many, always ready to lend a helping hand (especially with technology!). He had uncommon knowledge and wisdom in almost everything, and usually willing to share this wisdom, uplifting and challenging others to a deeper and higher reality. His warm mischievous smile and quiet steadfast spirit will be dearly missed, and his legacy lives on in the memories he’s imprinted on our hearts.
All are invited to celebrate Marlon’s extraordinary life with us at Hillcrest Church on Saturday Sept 7th at 11 am (Saskatchewan time). The service will be live-streamed to include Marlon’s many loved ones from around the globe. A luncheon will follow, also at Hillcrest church.
As per Marlon’s request, instead of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hillcrest Church or Joe’s Place Youth Centre (both located in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan) in Marlon’s memory.
As we bid farewell to our beloved Marlon, let us carry his spirit of faith, resilience, and hope with us, allowing his remarkable journey to inspire ours.
In living memory of Marlon, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain/Blake Seebach- Funeral Directors
