By Terrie Welwood
Russell Banner

In this area, the staff and students of the Inglis school were the first to set up a Terry Fox Run. According to the Terry Fox Foundation, the first registered Terry Fox Run in Inglis was held in 1998. It was run in memory of Lorene Kopetsky who for about a decade prior, had walked and biked with her good friend Mary Jackson for the Terry Fox Run. Their dedication to Terry’s cause was noticed as Terry’s mom, Betty Fox came for lunch in 1993, on the Jackson farm. Lorene lost her battle with Cancer in March of 1998.
At the Terry Fox Run at the Inglis school, principal Amber Nerbas told the crowd who were gathered for the unveiling of a granite bench donated by Braendle Bruce Funeral Service in memory of Marilyn Liske - noted that the Terry Fox Foundation shared that over the last 27 years the Inglis school has raised $85,635.25. This year’s run in Inglis officially brought that total up over the $90,000 mark.
The students and teachers of Inglis school made this years Terry Fox Run a little extra special with the dedication of the bench in Marilyn Liske’s honor
“Prior to marrying Larry in 1972, Marilyn worked as the secretary of the Inglis school,” Mrs. Nerbas told the crowd. “Once married and her family established, she and Larry became the school custodians and held that title for 30 years.”
Marilyn then took her EA certification from ACC and worked many years in the classroom and as a noon hour supervisor. Once retired from the classroom, Marilyn finished off her career at Inglis School by becoming the hot lunch chef, upgrading the student made pizza pops and hot dogs to hearty homemade meals ranging from soups to casseroles to special holiday treats.
Mrs. Nerbas stressed that Marilyn’s contributions went far beyond the school doors.
“Marilyn was everyone's friend, she was the definition of Citizenship as she was always looking out for others and ways to contribute in every aspect of her life. As an EA and noon hour supervisor she was always helping our students by getting bandaids, sewing wheat bags for the freezer, and walking with students who needed a buddy at recess,” Principal Nerbas said. “Marilyn always knew what to say or how to help, no matter your age or predicament. - one of Marilyn’s favorite saying was “This too shall pass.”
Her love for the students and the Inglis school showed everywhere, Mrs. Nerbas said. - whether it be sewing costumes for the school Christmas concert, many of which are still used today. At the same time, Marilyn taught many of the Inglis students how to sew and quilt, many of which were raffled or auctioned off in support of school or community initiatives.
“Marilyn in all of her roles, always had a watchful eye and liked to be with the kids,” Nerbas said. “This makes a buddy bench for all, in the center of the playground, the perfect spot. Marilyn embodied and inspired our bench's message of “Be a friend today!”
Marilyn had brief battle with lung cancer and passed April 27, 2020. at a time when schools were closed, due to Covid.
“For everyone here today who holds memories of Marilyn dear, I encourage you to share a story with one of our students. Demonstrating the power of oral history and continuing on Marilyn’s legacy of kindness and contribution to her community. The Red Hat ladies were dear friends of Marilyn, as she too was a proud Red Hatter. Thank you ladies for coming today. We also welcome Inglis School Staff Alumni who can share Marilyn’s love of caring for others, organizing skits and ordering the perfect birthday t-shirts or lawn ornaments to ensure everyone in town knew it was your BIG day.