Dec 12, 1934 - Mar 27, 2018
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful dad, Merle.
He is predeceased by our mom, his wife of 57 years, Patricia. He is survived by us, his daughters, Leslie Diemert and Sandra Hislop, as well as his grandchildren Jenelle & Joel Diemert and Rachel Hislop-Hook.
Dad was born in Ft. St. John in 1934 and although he lived and worked throughout BC, he always had a special love and appreciation for the North.
His life was filled with many interesting experiences and he shared those great stories and memories with us. We enjoyed hearing about his modest childhood and his early jobs. A memorable one was working on the Okanagan Lake Floating Bridge (1956-1958) in Kelowna - the city where he met the love of his life, Patricia.They married in 1958 and left Kelowna for new work, such as the first Port Mann Bridge in Vancouver.
Dad's natural ability for operating any machinery and getting along with people, led to a successful 37 year career in the logging industry that started in Terrace (Kitimat) and took him to Sandspit, Port McNeill and Campbell River where he concluded his career as Manager of the entire operation.
Our dad was a hard working, selfless family man who loved his kids and grand-kids and adored his wife. A man who was kind, giving, thoughtful, helpful, caring, loving, supportive and our best friend. We always knew he could build anything, fix anything and solve any problem. His optimism and positive outlook on life has been a true inspiration. He will be remembered by anyone who knew him for his smile, his jokes and his wonderful laugh. He kept that sense of humour and positive attitude right up until the end.
He was a very special man. A man we admire with true respect and pride and we feel both Blessed and lucky to have him as our dad.
He was, and will always be, Our Hero.
Arrangements entrusted to Everden Rust Funeral Services 250-860-6440
Condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.everdenrust.com
Everden Rust Funeral Services