Peacefully, but quickly, at Cowichan District Hospital on May 14, 2005 surrounded by his family. Predeceased by his parents Mildred and Bill, his sisters Gloria and Mildred "Sis", and brothers Harvey, Jim and George. Eunice, his loving wife of 53 years, survives him. Merv will be sadly missed and forever remembered by his sisters Phyllis, Joan (Jim Robertson), Faye (Ranon Kerr), and Melva (Brian Grant), twin brother Murray "Ug" (Paddy), and brother Stuart (Mary-Anne); children Doug (Teresa), Greg, Warren (Trina), Brenda, Chris, Gloria (David Blitterswyk) and Kellie; grandchildren Les (Linda), Lynnsey, Alina, Adam, Justin, Cara, Casey, Ben, and Dyson and great grandchild Allyssa on the way; brothers-in-law Roy "Favorite" (Sylvia), and Bill Bell; lifelong friends Reg and Dot Hankey and Chris and Thelma Sobjerg. He had over 70 nieces and nephews as well. Merv was born on February 4, 1932 in Aquadell, Saskatchewan. He came to BC at the age of thirteen with his family. They settled on a 250-acre parcel of land in Cassidy. Together they carved out a farm, raised beef cattle and built "The Mountain Aire Campground". In 1953 he married Eunice Bell and started a family. Merv worked for the Comox Logging Company and was a roofer before becoming a longshoreman for Western and Empire Stevedoring. Eventually he took an apprenticeship as a mechanic at Crofton's Stuart Channel Wharves, where he worked until his retirement in 1992. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family and friends. His love of hickey and baseball led to coaching and countless hours at the Fuller Lake Arena and Saltair ballfields. Merv's true hobby was tinkering in his shop. He thrived on fixing lawnmowers. If it had an engine on it, he could get it to run. Working on his 1940 Willy's Jeep got him through his cancer treatments twice in his lifetime. An attribute of his was his ability to adapt and invent. Obsolete parts or tools were often replaced with fabricated ones, built from what he had on hand. His love of reading and music led to him learning the guitar and harmonica. Many an evening was spent with friends and family singing and entertaining. Merv especially enjoyed Hank Williams, Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash. A special thank you to Dr. Manhas, and all the staff at the Chemainus Clinic. Your sense of humor was heartfelt. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2005 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1135 4th Avenue, Ladysmith, BC at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, ALS Society of Canada, Children's Hospital or the Canadian Diabetes Association.
"Lord love a duck! Grandpa's an angel."
Condolences may be offered at
www.sands-funeral.com