Cherish the boy he was, forgive what needs forgiving, and honour those who stood by him. ~written by Danica Siewert/Donna Wizniuk(mainly Danica)
February 7th, 1936-October 18th, 2009
Laid to rest by his loving parents, Norman and Mabel, at Rife Community Cemetery.
this song played as Dad was carried to his final resting spot.....
(click on the title to hear the song)
Pallbearers(all three of his Grandsons, his only niece, and his only two nephews)
Adam Rodrique(Grandson)
Evan Allan(Grandson)
Daylan Daniel George(Grandson)
Daryn John(Nephew)
Dolci Joy(Niece)
Deryk Joel(Nephew)
Honourary Pallbearers(all three of his Granddaughters)
Danica Dawn
Dana Dawn
Emily Lorraine
The Honourary pallbearers each carried a spray for the 3 family members that are next to Dad........my Grandmother Mabel, my Grandfather Norman, and my Grandfather's father Oliver George(flowers were from my Auntie Betty)
Family Procession
Children
Donna Mae(Daniel)
Daryl Mervin(Lorraine)
with their Mother Grace
Sisters
Norma May(John)
Betty Ann(Randy)
Great Grandchildren
Natasha Lyn
Ashley Madison
Tyson Aubrey-in photo with his Mom(honourary pallbearers, above)
Clergy-Pastor Gary
Will the Circle Be Unbroken-Performed by Daylan
Scripture Readings
Margaret(see below)
Dolci(see below)
Mervin was born in Rife, Alberta. He was the first child for Norman and Mabel. He was blessed with two sisters, Norma and Betty Ann, who loved him unconditionally.
Mervin attended Iron River School and was taught by Mr. R. B. MacGillivray from Grade 1 to 9. Mervin was determined to be in the same grade as Alfred Peters and Gerald Peterson and did reach this goal by skipping a Grade. At age 14 Mervin took his Grade 10 at Bonnyville High School where he played hockey. Immediately after Grade 10 Mervin, George MacGillivray, and Alfred Peters, left for B. C. looking for work. Mervin worked for some time in the Powell River Paper Mill in B. C. before returning to Alberta where he did different types of work. Areas of employment included: operating earth moving equipment – cats and buggies: driving truck both local and long haul: oil well servicing for Eskimo: contracting with Uncle Carman doing stucco and cement finishing work; Real Estate with Block Bros.; and started Merv’s Hot Shot Service which ended in 1995 when he was unable to carry on after surgery.
His children, Donna and Daryl, are grateful to have always been made part of the family. We are very thankful to our mother, Grace, our Grandpa and Grandma, and our Aunties and Uncles. Without their efforts we could have easily been strangers.
From our Dad I have learned several important lessons. He has made me strong rather than weak. He has made me brave rather than scared. He has made me cautious rather than reckless. Simple life lessons taught in unconventional ways.
The last eight years of his life were in the Rimbey Long Term Care Facility. He was known and loved as Merv. We are thankful for the care he received at the last place he called home. During my last visit to Rimbey, this past weekend, I heard many comforting words. "He had the most beautiful eyes and smiles.” "He was a good man." "Love him for who he was. Remember the good and let go of the bad.” "He sure could tell a good joke.” Last but not least, "He will be missed".
During the many stumbles in his life, I do believe, it was he who suffered the most. You are now at peace.
It's our hope each of you will remember him kindly. From time to time, when a memory of him finds you, may it bring a smile to your face.
A light meal will be served at Eastbourne Hall following the Graveside Service.
Arrangements provided by Memento Funeral Home in Bonnyville, AB.
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(these are the readings)
1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
1Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
18To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
