(On September 26, 2026, the official renaming ceremony to honour Marion Gullock for her years of dedication to Stittsville organizations and associations. Seen here are family members: L-R: Doug Thompson (husband of daughter Barbara); Judy Rakobowchuk (Marion’s sister); daughter Barbara; niece Christina Rakobowchuk; son Andrew; and Councillor Glen Gower. Photos: Stittsville Central)
On a warm September 26th, a large group of residents, family members, long-time friends and neighbours gathered to attend the official commemorative naming of Marion Gullock Park in Stittsville. The park naming emphasized the significance of Marion’s long-time contributions to the Stittsville community and the importance of honouring her legacy with a park in her name.
Marion lived in the same Ralphpark house, formerly Ralph Street, that she and her husband, Bill, settled into in 1955. As one of the neighborhood’s first families, Marion quickly became a cherished fixture in the heart of the Stittsville community. She played a large part in the formation of the community associations and many of the events that exist in Stittsville today. Marion believed that the heartbeat of any community is volunteerism and had always encouraged others to become a part of their community.
One event that many of us long-time residents fondly recall – the Stittsville Winterfest weekend – that Marion organized with other volunteers at Ralph Street Park. One of the highlights was the annual ‘broomball battle’ with Stittsville’s volunteer firefighters playing against teams from surrounding stations. The ball-dropping faceoff was presided over by the Winterfest mascots, Percy and Penny Penquin. With Marion organizing this annual event, it was always a weekend filled with fun and something for all ages – horse drawn sleigh rides, bed races, snowshoeing, skating, hockey and ice races – hot chocolate and more.
Councillor Gower spoke of her many contributions to Stittsville, namely receiving the the Roger Griffiths Memorial Citizen of the Year Award in 2000, the City of Ottawa’s Community Activism Award in 2003 and the 2012 Senior Citizen of the Year Award. He extended thanks to community members, Martha Cooper and Lesley McKay, who brought their suggestions to his office to rename the Ralph Street Park in Marion’s name. He announced that the Stittsville District Lions Club will be donating a bench in Marion’s honour to the park. Barbara was then invited to say a few words on behalf of the family.
Barbara thanked everyone for attending and Martha and Lesley for submitting the idea to Councillor Gower’s office. She reminisced about her and Andrew growing up in the small town of Stittsville and shared family stories. “Mom was always involved in the community. She was someone who got things done – in the community and at home. Andrew and I were honoured to hear that this park will be named in memory of Mom.”
For all of Marion’s years of dedication to our community, it is only fitting that the Marion Gullock Park be a permanent reminder of her contributions to Stittsville. The Marion Gullock Park is located at 12 Ralphpark Street in Stittsville.
