9:09 p.m.=one week

It is now one week to the minute since Dad's passing..........at times it seems like only hours ago, and other times it seems like a month has past!  

These picture were taken the morning after the service.  

Graveside service for RAYMOND MERVIN

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.....

GO REST HIS ON THAT MOUNTAIN

(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.

************************

(these are the readings)

Read by Margaret, Dad's cousin

I'd like to make a comment about our circle of family and Mervin's place in it.  

-As a child Mervin was full of good cheer, a love of life, exuberance.

 -He was always in the front row for family pictures, his arm around me to give me a tickle, to make me laugh at the time the camera was snapped.  

-Our giggles & his antics brought a smile to everyone to make a happy family picture. 

-With the loss of Mervin the family circle is broken. 

-But forever in our memories will exist a thread of his joyful fun-loving nature, and a thread of his non-judgemental nature.  These memory threads will exist in each of us& they will intertwine to draw our family circle tighter & stronger-more joyfull less judgemental.  And we love him for it-forever.   

John 14:1-6

 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?

 ⁶Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Read by Dolci, Dad's neice

Psalm 103

 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.

(all photos taken by Peggy with Lori's camera.....thanks so much to both of you.....I am glad to have these pictures)

EASTBOURNE HALL

(after the graveside service). 

At the hall we had a guest book, a few photos on display, and a few memorabilia(unfortunately no pictures were taken at the hall).  Thanks so much to Auntie Norma and Betty for bringing several photos of Dad in his younger days(before my time...LOL)!  So many commented on how good looking he was....and he was, love those pictures!  Pictures are so comforting during these times.........pictures of him as a child, family pictures, with his Sisters from July 2009, and a few with Daryl & I.   Although we don't have a lot of pictures....the ones we have are GREAT(there was even one of him and Mom)!!!  

When it's time to gather family & friends it's time for visiting and a little something to eat.   In late Fall we were thinking a bowl of soup would be nice........we served soup, ceasar salad, cold cuts, fresh homemade buns, open face egg salad sandwiches, pickles, and a fruit tray.  There was of course coffee, tea, and punch........and due to the generosity of many we had a full table just for sweets......thanks so much to everyone that brought something....everything was so yummy(trust me I know)!  

Thank you Uncle John for saying Grace....much appreciated! 

My Brother Daryl & Sister-in-laws Lori's children!

They are always special to me, but over the past few days they seem extra special....thanks for being you!  

and this one......

not sure why.....

SEVEN SPANISH ANGELS

and this one......

CHOICES.....George Jones

and this one.....

Go rest high on that Mountain! 

I've had this song in the back of mind...

for this time......for a long time!!! Now the time is here.......In the Arms of an Angel

He's Gone......

Last night just after 9:00 p.m. my Dad peacefully took his last breath!

9 something p.m. 

the 9th year

the date adds up to 9(18th)

What does this mean?.....maybe nothing, but it sure makes me think of Grandma and her love for the number 9(and her Son)! 

TURNING 50 GIVES ME YESTERDAYS THAN TOMORROWS

Bill Clinton

GREAT video.....thanks DANA!

DO RE ME

Our annual FAMILY CAMPOUT(thank you Lori you saved my photoless dilemma)!

I am soooo glad Lori got a picture of this memory! Brock(probably the toughest kid I've ever known(his Dad runs a close 2nd)!

1. You might of noticed he has a broken arm!


2. Yep he was giving the little ones rides on the little quad......note......the quad was not running, Brock was pushing it.....WHAT A GUY!


3. He did this many times over the weekend, we would look around and there was Brock pushing the quad!
   

1st year camper.......Mr. T!

and the winner of the dirtiest attendee.........Miss Ashley, HANDS DOWN!

Evan, our pancake artist........want a fun shaped pancake, he can DO IT!!!



fun & games.........Tayte watching and learning how it's done from her cousin Brock!


Lori's special guest.........JAKE, big hit with all the kids!



Daryl the corn chef.......Ashley, maybe in training!



Happy 47th Daryl............Thanks Auntie Norma, your cakes are always delicious!

Daryl helping Natasha, not sure what Natasha is doing..LOL!
*

Kites are a big hit at the camp out........the KIDS just love them!

*

This picture holds another great memory for me......little Tatye running with her kite in the open field........she is 3, I am sure she ran back and forth 20 times..........I couldn't believe how she just kept going and going............AND the kite behaved pretty well, and stayed in the air!

I had to STEAL this one from Danica's blog....makes me laugh just looking at it!

Firstly, when Tyson puts on a BIG SMILE his WHOLE face is smiling.....how cute! The other thing that makes me laugh is the story behind this picture! It was a group picture, Great Baba & Gido with 6 of the great grandchildren, not an easy task! Being Tyson is the youngest the plan was to get everyone ready, then quickly place Tyson and SNAP! WE were sure he was going to cry once he was on Gido's knee looking back at his Mom..........as you can see..............we were fooled big time.....BIG SMILES!

Want more........GO HERE!

Last but not least the whole crew.........I so miss Grandma being with us, and in this picture!

(thanks Lori, and Danica)

The U.S. lays to rest another member of what seems to be their most famous family!

TED KENNEDY
What a story surrounds his life..........

An update from June 25th

check out the views in 2 months!

Beat It!
23,924,168 views as of 5:18 p.m 25.06.09
43,277,657 views as of Aug. 26.08.09

Billie Jean
12,200,785 views as of 7:03 p.m. 25.06.09
32,921,600 views as of Aug. 26.08.09

Thriller
38,901,837 views as of 4:49 p.m. 26.06.09
43,268,492 views as of 10:31 a.m. 29.06.09
63,560,027 views as of 26.08.09

Bad
13,557,215 views as of 4:53 p.m. 26.06.09
27,269,622 views as of 26.08.09

Black or White
9,695,786 views as of 4:54 p.m. 26.06.09
22,316,266 views as of 26.08.09

The Way You Make Me Feel
10,076,934 views as of 4:58 p.m. 26.06.09
18,333,626 views as of 26.08.09

Whether you are an M.J. fan or not.........this is AMAZING!

Pictures for Betty**no sale on this one**

that is a rolled up rug in the tub!

Love these two big window....the whole motorhome is well lite because of all the windows!

the two mirrors are the doors of a huge closet(with rod for hanging clothes)

fridge on the left

these two are directly across from each other!

Thank You Johnny Reid

It was announced today that Johnny Reid has donated $10,000 to a Trust Fund related to the happenings at BJV!
audio from CISN
http://www.cisnfm.com/Blogs/mikemcguire/Home.aspx

music video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhdWXDAfzf8

a few more from Johnny.........he was my reason for wanting to be a BJV!
A Woman Like You!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09m8PMk9hm0&feature=channel

CNN reports on BVJ

short commercial runs before BJV video!
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/08/02/canada.stage.collapse/index.html#cnnSTCVideo

in print on CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/08/02/canada.stage.collapse/index.html#cnnSTCText

Danica found this news release video(BJV)!

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=109955499194&h=q_YAQ&u=HsMnj&ref=nf

My accounts of the BVJ storm!

From our family........Dana was working the event, Daylan(Kirsten), Adam, Evan, Danica(the kids) & myself were ticket holders for the event!

THE ITALIC SECTION of this post HAPPENED IN A MATTER OF 15 MINUTES!

• the boys were at their camp stall
• Danica & I(with the 3 little ones)were on our way to the event for the evening!
• We met at the Tim Hortons near the BJV location(maybe 6-8 blocks away).....the sun was shining(around 5:45)!
• We could see dark clouds what appeared to be FAR AWAY, and the radio announcers from BJV announced it looked like it was going to miss Camrose! (5:50)
• I called Daylan to make sure(if the weather got worse when we were inside)if we needed help to LEAVE QUICK he could give us a hand(wanted to make sure we knew where each other were)!
• We drove to the campground area where the boys were to say hi(and see all the fun that going on in the party area)! By the time we got there the wind had REALLY picked up, and all the campers were in their trailers/tents/vehicles!
• We decided we would go to our house and sit out the wind for a bit, maybe a half hour....then head back to the event!
• By the time we drove home(8-10 minutes)Daniel had heard from Dana(or maybe on the news)that part of the main stage had blown over!
• Then the chaos started..........trying to find out where everyone else was! By this time the cell phones were not working, then the power went out!
• When standing outside at our house the sound of sirens was constant for quite a while......not good!
• We hadn't heard from Dana so we were wondering how she was handling the stress of all of this........being right there in the thick of things! Proud of you Dana....you did good!
• The staff of the event were all gathered in the VIP tent......and held there, it was a long time, not sure maybe an hour+!
• The boys(Kirsten)made it to our place!
• When Dana(& Michelle)got home they told us about the nightmare they went through........see pictures below! Tables, chairs, food flying everywhere........people running, laying on the ground, sirens, emergency crews EVERYWHERE!
• The hopes that the event carry on later that evening, or maybe even on Sunday vanished quickly!
• We were trying to locate 2 of Adam & Evans friends so they could spend the night here......we knew they were okay, but it was a buggar to actually find them! As it turned out they didn't come over, but Daylan & Evan did go and see them......so from our end, all ended well!
• Never in my life have I seen the weather change this quickly, and I'm old(you all know I'm 50 right...LOL)!
• Thankful to be safe & sound and only suffering from a bit of chaos & confusion.....many others have much more to deal with!

It has been reported, the organizors of the Jamboree are in constant contact with the weather reporters during the event(over the whole weekend)! They recieved word of storm at 5:55, they began to evacuate at 5:57, and the stage went over at 6:00. This is mind boggling to me......add to that 1000's of people trying to get to safety(many of them intocitated).....this spells panic, confusion, chaos.........it seems to me this could have easily been much, much worse! !

I haven't heard the number of people that were in & around the event area, but I am honestly amazed many more people were not seriously hurt!

Shots of Dana's from the Big Valley storm!

Dana(our daughter)was working at Big Valley! Her tent was on the other side of this row......she was in the tent right next to the main stage! VERY SCARY!


some the aftermath!