Muriel Blanche (Monk) Frizzell

Date of Birth: May 31, 1940
Address: 516 Grove Street, Whitehorse YT Y1A5J8
Married: Don Frizzell
Children: Cindy (Jerry) Wolsynuk
Sandra (Ralph) Wohlfarth
Lorelea (Ssasi Sangare) Frizzell
Grandchildren: 6 (Jeff, Matt, Chase, Conrad, Stephen, Souleymane)
Great-Grandchildren: 4 (Zahara, Maximus, Darius, Jemma)

“A long, dusty, dirty, rough road trip to the Yukon in 1975 . . . little did I know I would return and spend the rest of my life here!”

Muriel was born in Duncan BC, the eldest of two children. Her family lived on a Floathouse in Youbou, on Vancouver Island. The family lived in various communities on Vancouver Island for 12 years. After a few teenage years in Vancouver, the family relocated to Dawson Creek BC. Muriel’s father (William Monk) was a plumber for the Provincial Government, Muriel’s mother (Marjorie Monk) was a store clerk. After high school, Muriel attended business college, then became a steno for the Imperial Oil Company.

Muriel married Don Frizzell on August 20, 1960, in Dawson Creek BC. They had three daughters, the youngest born in Vernon BC where the three girls were raised. In Vernon, Don owned a moving company, and Muriel was a stay-at-home Mom. Muriel enjoyed sewing, and made most of the girls’ outfits. She was also a Girl Guide leader for 10 years, enjoying the activities and outings with the girls. In the hot summer months, the family spent weekends at their cabin on Okanagan Lake.

In 1975, Don had a client moving to Faro YT and Muriel accompanied Don on the trip. This was Muriel’s first glimpse of the Yukon, and she recalls taking a turn behind the wheel of the 5-speed, 3-ton van! The family spent the summer of 1978 touring the NWT, Yukon, and Alaska with the truck and camper. Three girls and a dog (Scamp) made for tight quarters! Little did they know that the Yukon would become their forever home.

In 1980, Don accepted a position with White Pass & Yukon Route, managing the Freight Terminal in Whitehorse. A highlight was 1983-1986 spent living in Dawson City where Don managed the WPYR Bulk Plant. Muriel worked as a clerk for CIBC, in the original building, built in 1898. (Robert Service worked there in 1908.) Don and Muriel formed very special friendships in the community, walking to work, riding bikes, and curling.

Returning to Whitehorse in 1986, Muriel worked as a secretary for YTG Department of Education, primarily at Takhini School. She enjoyed it a lot.

Muriel enjoys travelling, with many winter trips to Hawaii and Arizona with Don. They also enjoyed a trip to Russia in 2000. Muriel has also done a backpacking trip through England and Ireland, a trip to Greece mainland and the island of Santorini, as well as a visit to Mali in West Africa – all with her daughters.

Don and Muriel had a placer mine in the Mount Nansen area for many years. It was a special place where the family spent many summers playing in the dirt! The grandchildren learned to drive the ATVs (freedom!) and later the heavy equipment.

Muriel has been an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star since 1966. This fraternity raises funds for cancer research.

Muriel has been a volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society for many years, and also at the Copper Ridge Continuing Care facility.

“Home is where the family lives – all 3 girls and their families also call Whitehorse their home.”