Obituary of Margaret Dagmar King

After a long and wonderful life, Margaret ‘Mike’ King  (nee Lind) passed away peacefully in her 87^th year at the St Mary’s Memorial Hospital on March 12, 2022.

Daughter of the late John and Margaret Lind, Mike was the eldest of four siblings, John Lind (deceased), Jane Lind, Ann Lind.  

Mike lost her husband and friend, John King, 36 years ago. Far too young, and many adventures missed. She is remembered fondly by her children Chris and Candice (Baker) King, Marshall and Janice (Willmott) King, Stephen and Megan (King) McKay. Mike had very close relationship with her grandchildren, who knew her as ‘Emma’. Sandy, Jesse, Maddy, Clara-May, Daisy, Nicole, Alex, Laura, Samantha, Morgan all have great memories of spending time with Emma at her farm.

Her elementary school friends in St. Marys nick-named her “Mike,” which was her preferred handle. Mike cherished her friendships from all stages of her life, which included Bishop Strachan School and the University of Western Ontario. After university Mike lived abroad in England, riding to hounds, and then France where she studied at the Sorbonne. Returning to Toronto, she enjoyed her career as a Social Worker, which imbued a sense of serving those less fortunate, and a duty of philanthropy. Eventually, the pull of community and family in St Marys proved too powerful, and she moved back home.

Margaret loved St Marys and felt a deep responsibility to continue the legacy of the Lind family in giving back to the community.  Mike was a President of the Hospital Auxiliary, Superintendent of the St. James Sunday School, the Battalion Commander for the St Marys branch of the St. Johns Ambulance, and a leader for the United Way. She was a long-time board member of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, serving as Chair for many years. Along with her siblings, she provided funding for the Lind Sportplex at the Quarry, a satisfying full circle for Mike after spending her youth as a lifeguard there.  

A great supporter of the arts, Mike funded a personal foundation at the Stratford Festival, and supported the Stratford Summer Music Festival among other programs.

She had a great love for her dogs and horses. She enjoyed the companionship of many breeds but cherished her Irish Wolfhounds. Mike was a solid equestrian, having ridden all her life, and particularly enjoying European riding holidays. She was fearless in the saddle, riding well into her 80s, never letting injuries dampen her enthusiasm.  Mike’s other passion was fly-fishing, and she took annual trips with family and friends to the Grand Cascapedia.

We are grateful for the many efforts of friends and family in the last years of Mom's life, keeping her engaged through theatre, dinners and visits. The family will be forever grateful for the care that Rosie and Gail provided Mike, allowing her to live a full life on her terms, at home, as she had always hoped. Our appreciation also to the Bennetts, for making everything work at the farm!

Cremation has taken place. 

A private funeral Memorial Service will be held at St. James Anglican Church.

The Memorial Service will be livestreamed on the St. James Anglican Church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StJamesSt.Marys on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 11 am.

A  Celebration of Life for the public will be held on Saturday April 9^, 2022 at the St. Marys Golf & Country Club, 769 Queen St E, St. Marys, from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Donations in Mike’s memory can be made to:

St. Marys Healthcare Foundation
P.O. Box 940 St. Marys, ON, N4X 1B6

Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame
PO Box 1838 St. Marys, ON,  N4X 1C2

Stratford Festival
55 Queen Street, Stratford, ON, N5A 6V2

or the charity of your choice.