Renowned for her literary legacies, Dubbo to the Turn of the Century and Dubbo - City on the Plains, Mrs Dormer’s life was recalled in a memorable tribute from local MP and close friend Tony McGrane.

In the heartfelt eulogy penned by husband Jim and daughter Christine, Mr McGrane recalled a lifetime of dedication to her family, friends and her great passion, local history.

She was born Marion Ruth Sherriff in Wagga Wagga in 1930.

Blessed with a gift for language, the young Marion could read before she went to school.

“Quite a feat,” Tony McGrane commented, as this was long before the advent of preschools.

Marion’s thirst for knowledge saw her win a bursary to Sydney Girls High School, where she obtained her Leaving Certificate in 1946.

After a short stint working for a photographer Marion returned home in 1947 to care for her ill father. The following year saw her in Lithgow working as a secretary for a bus company.

A young Department of Main Roads contractor, Jim Dormer, regularly called into the bus depot to purchase fuel and a romance blossomed among the bowsers.

They married in December 1949 and took up residence at Lidsdale before moving to Collie the following year. They made the journey out west in a 1942 Ford ute with some bits and pieces of furniture and a box of chooks.

Jim worked as manager of ‘Collie Station’ and the couple set about raising their family.

Marion found peace in the rambling country garden with its 300 roses, many of which she became famous for at district shows.

They were golden years for Marion as she revelled in the beauty of the surrounding bush, her children and loving husband.

In 1966 Marion and Jim purchased ‘Buena Vista’ at Collie where, according to Jim, Marion became the “director of Dormer enterprises”.

Jim credited Marion with being an astute businesswoman and was the driving force behind the success of their property. She also played a major role in the establishment of Dormer Hire Service in 1977, now renowned throughout the region as one of Dubbo’s leading businesses.

In 1980 the couple moved to Dubbo where Marion absorbed herself in her next great challenge, recording Dubbo’s history.

It was a challenge that, according to Jim, may have ultimately shortened her life, as Marion pushed herself sometimes beyond endurance through the hours of painstaking research.

That devotion to preserving Dubbo’s history will not be forgotten. Her work is a lasting legacy for all future generations.