Marion Van Sluys

Platinum Jubilee Medal Recipient

“A Lifetime of Dedication to 4-H and Community Service”

From her humble beginnings as an assistant leader to her husband Dennis in the Fort Macleod Beef Club in 1985, Marion Van Sluys has gone on to create a lasting impact on provincial, national, and international levels within the 4-H community, making countless friendships along the way. Wherever Marion went, 4-H Alberta was well represented.

Marion and Dennis Van Sluys’ direct involvement with the Fort Macleod 4-H Beef Club spanned fourteen years, and their legacy continues as they donate an annual award for the 4-H member with the best carcass data. The Willow Creek 4-H District has also benefited from Marion’s involvement, with her serving as treasurer for many years and representing the South Region at the Alberta 4-H Council. As one of the District’s first Key Leaders when the program was introduced in 1994, Marion was instrumental in setting up and implementing the Willow Creek District Scholarship and attracted significant donations to the Scholarship Fund.

On a regional level, Marion has held nearly every executive position and served on numerous committees, including three committees hosting the Provincial Leaders’ Conference. In 2005-2006, she became the Region’s first Key Leader for the new Key Member program. Marion has been recognized with the regional “Friend of 4-H” award and attended both the National 4-H Leaders’ Conference and the Western US 4-H Leaders’ Conference.

Marion’s volunteerism extends beyond 4-H. For many years, she implemented and ran the Fort Macleod Farmers’ Market and was involved in numerous special events run by the town. Marion continues to be active with the Alberta Sheep Breeders Association.

Currently, Marion remains an active volunteer with 4-H Alberta, serving as the Key Leader in the Cardston 4-H District and the Treasurer for the South Region. Marion Van Sluys’ unwavering dedication to 4-H and her community has created lasting, positive change, inspiring generations of future 4-H members and community leaders.