Mari-Ann Irene Green
October 25th, 2015
A truly remarkable woman left us at the all too early age of 62, on Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Mari-Ann was a cherished member of the Green family and a get-together was never complete without her. And she rarely missed one. Helping her grandchildren learn and watching them grow made their “Grammy” beam with pride and happiness. But whether she was your grammy, wife, mum, auntie, sister, daughter, niece or friend, you can be sure it was a special relationship.
Mari-Ann loved the water and you could often find her teaching a child to swim, kayaking, enjoying a boat picnic, sun bathing on a dock, or just... at the lake.
She loved camping, visiting around a bonfire, and going for a walk or for a drive, especially around our family farm – it held a special place in her heart. Mari-Ann just wanted to get out and about. And sometimes, very far from home! She was a world traveller who loved to experience new cultures and places with Scott, her husband of 29 years.
Her business colleagues distinguished her as a talented leader with integrity, commitment and the ability to inspire. Smart, strong, a fighter, a strategic thinker, and a good person who truly cared about the people she worked with. Mari-Ann co-founded Formation Capital (now Formation Metals) with Scott and two colleagues in 1989. Listed on the TSE as FCO, it engages in mineral exploration, development and refining – wholly owning the Idaho Cobalt Project, North America’s sole primary cobalt mine. Mari-Ann served tirelessly as Formation’s Chairman and CEO for more than 20 years and was dedicated to the principles of environmentally sound mining and refining practices. A leader with vision and perseverance, she kept her company alive during depressed commodity markets when financing was difficult to obtain.
Mari-Ann was elected to the Executive Committee of the American (formerly Northwest) Exploration and Mining Association in 2013 and began serving as President in 2015 - the first female Canadian to occupy that office.
She is sadly missed by her husband Scott Bending; her son, Kevin Green (Michelle) and their children and step-children Lexy, Madeline, Samantha, Thomas and Jesse ; her father Don Green; her sister Margaret (Glenn) Hodgson; sister Barbara Green (Ali Moterassed); many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and extended family across Canada and the U.S.A.; as well as many friends and colleagues in Canada, the U.S.A. and overseas. She was predeceased by her mother Ann, her mother-in-law Betty and father-in-law Glen.
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Mari-Ann lived a full and happy life. She understood well the meaning of this poem hanging on her wall:
The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hand will stop, at a late or early hour. Now is the only time you own, live, love and toil with a will. Place no faith in tomorrow, for the clock may then be still.
-- Note of Thanks –
The Green/Bending family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to relatives, friends and neighbours for their overwhelmingly kind expressions of sympathy. Also many thanks for the numerous cards, flowers, charitable donations in Mari-Ann’s name and food delivered to the house at the time of our loss. A sincere thank you to all who attended the service in the Beulah Chapel and for honouring her memory. A special thank you to Elaine Dixon, Campbell Funeral Home and the Beulah ladies for providing a delicious luncheon.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
Scott and Mari-Ann's family: My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember Mari-Ann as the remarkable and kind-hearted woman ever since we met. I have always looked up to her and admired her for her success in the mining industry. She will be greatly missed. Rest in peace lovely Mari-Ann.
She is also missed greatly by her friends here in Salmon, Idaho. I was lucky enough to have a special friendship with her. We spent a bit of time together in the back country near Cobalt. We shared some wonderful stories and ideas. I have nothing but fond memories of this lovely, kind, and interesting young lady. I can still see her mischievous smile. Another good person has moved on to what we all hope is a wonderous place. with love, Greg
There are, of course, no words that can ever serve to address the shock and unfathomable grief of such a loss. Scott, we can only tell you that our hearts are with you, and that we send you strength and love. We were involved in but a tiny corner of Mari-Ann's life, but our knowing her was such a rich experience. We have fond, fond memories of both of you when we were "on the hill" and whenever we met with you in Salmon. Memories of Mari-Ann are surrounded with intelligence, kindness, and intense enthusiasm about and dedication to everything she did, not to mention her wonderful sense of humor. Greg is especially filled with memories of their sometimes lighthearted conversations and also the gentle sparring of discussions on a myriad of subjects about which both felt passionately. Scott, know that we will be quietly honoring Mari-Ann in the "cabin" that was at least a small part of her life. Our caring thoughts will be with you often, Scott. Jesse and Greg
"Our sincere condolences to Scott and the extended Green Family on this tragic and sudden loss. Mari-Ann was a close friend, mentor and colleague who will be sorely missed by myself, Yvonne and all those that had the privilege of knowing her. She was an immensely positive, influential and formative force in our lives and remains an integral part of our cherished memories. She lives on in our hearts.
Very sad to hear of Mari-Ann's passing. She was a very special lady.
Scott (and Family) - my thoughts and prayers are with you on your recent loss. Mari-Ann was a dynamic, highly engaging, personal and accomplished business woman indeed! She has left her mark on the mining scene in Vancouver. I fondly remember the numerous annual meetings/conferences (especially the Northwest Mining Association, now the American Exploration and Mining Association, the PDAC and the Cordilleran Roundup) where we had a chance to 'catch up'. Take care. Tom
I'm very fortunate to know a very kind, generous and loving person. May you rest in peace.
Sincere condolences to Scott and all the family on their sad and untimely loss. Mari-Ann will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Oh Darling Mari-Ann, you left us so soon, and before those years of growing old together that we had so anticipated. Always, but always there for her friends, family and extended family ('Auntie Mari-Ann'). Remembered too for inspiring staff, encouraging business associates, her incessant, determined concern for the interests of shareholders, and her pioneering contribution to the Resource Industry. All too short, but a life well lived and an indelible impression left on all whom she touched. A tragic loss to us, but an inconceivable void for Scott, Don, Kevin and clan. We can't begin to imagine. So many treasured memories. Go well you Lovely, lovely person.
We were very shocked to hear of the sudden loss of Mari-Ann. A great lady, mining leader, a trusted business colleague and a personal friend. I appreciated her candor, tenacity and honest approach in business, and the time she took to share her experiences in life. I offer my sincerest condolences to her husband Scott and her close colleagues at Formation Minerals along with her family and friends, on behalf of my family and the entire JDS Energy and Mining Team. Mari-Ann you will always be remembered - Jeff