NELSON, Mervyn Clarence
April 11th, 1933 – December 16th, 2014
It is with great sadness and much love that we say goodbye to our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend Mervyn Nelson, who passed away at the age of 81 years.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Carol; children Diane (Dennis), Kim, David, Tammy (Jon); grandchildren Nathan, Jason, Amy, Justin, Mathew, Tyler; his cherished Aunt Bobbie; siblings Wayne (Barbara), Florence (Gene), Wes (Lily); numerous (great) nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. Mervyn was pre-deceased by his beloved parents, Clarence and Ruby, several extended family members and many cherished friends.
Mervyn was born and raised in Wetaskiwin, Alberta where he worked as a delivery man for Aboussafy’s among other jobs. During his deliveries, he often drove around town with his baby daughter and the girls at the store would change her diapers for him. When he moved to Edmonton with his young family, Mervyn delivered milk for Purity and Silverwood’s Dairies. His family remember his uniform and the ‘stinky’ smell of the delivery truck.
Mervyn was with Edmonton Public Schools for 32 years, starting in 1966 and spending much of this time at Harry Ainlay High School, where he was Head Custodian before retiring. Mervyn enjoyed working with the students very much and they enjoyed talking and joking with him; he laughingly related that he often came back to find they had placed his ‘golf cart’ into the middle of the rotunda when he left it in the hallway nearby. He always had the help of the football players or other strong young people to get it out again! Through his years with the school board, he impacted many young lives and was able to pass his philosophy of “work hard, do a good job and you can have fun at it” to all he met.
In retirement, Mervyn was very involved attending both St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital’s CDS Program and William Lutzky YMCA, where he met many dear friends. Throughout his life, Mervyn enjoyed a good joke and would often be known to take the latest one he had found or heard to share with his friends and co-workers.
Cremation has taken place and, as Mervyn had requested, a “Celebration of Life” and Interment will take place in the summer of 2015 in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Mervyn’s charity of choice, STARS Air Ambulance.
Online: https://foundation.stars.ca/AB-tributegift
Mailing Address: STARS Edmonton Base, Suite 100, 1519 – 35 Avenue East, Edmonton International Airport, Alberta T9E 0V6.
Tribute wall - a place to share your memories and condolences
Carolyn
Mervyn was an integral part of our Program here at St. Joes. The biggest impression he left on me was how incredibly intelligent and kind he was. His sense of humour was definitely a bright spot for all of us, staff and co-clients both. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Jonina Weir
I send you both my heartfelt sympathy.
Gene Miskiw
With Mervyn’s passing, the world has lost a true gentleman and a gentle man who always put others first. His work ethic inspired many people and his sense of humor made the world a better place. Florence and Gene.
lily
My thoughts and prayers are with you Carol and Family at this sad time. -Lily Doyle and Family.
Jonina
…that best portion of a good man’s life–
his little, nameless, unremembered acts
of kindness and of love.
~William Wordsworth, 1798
My brother-in-law had a strong work ethic, loved all of his children and grand children very much. Mervyn loved travelling across Canada; also on a Scandinavian cruise, trips to Iceland, Caribbean cruise, Hawaii & throughout USA. He enjoyed his favorite music& family gatherings. He loved his wood- working tools and I remember him being in charge of the BBQ in Devon with great results! When I think of Merv I remember his smile.. a broad grin for the latest joke or the antics of children in his presence. Rest in Peace Merv. Enjoy your “new home” say “hello to the people I know”…happy trails to you until we meet again.
Gary Narten
We’re thinking of you at this sad time.. and wishing you all that it takes to get through these difficult days. I’ll always remember the day when Mervyn helped me shovel a ton of snow at the local community skating rink after a big snow storm. He showed me as a young man of 18 how to help others when in need, something I’ve never forgotten. He had a heart of gold. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Gary & Glenda
Laura Ragosin
I send loving thoughts and hugs to my family. May the happy memories help ease your loss. Uncle Mervyn always greeted me with a warm smile and I loved our talks about working in schools and life. I’ll miss his gentle presence at our family gatherings.
Lara
Uncle Mervyn was always kind to us kids – never raised his voice and never said a harsh word to me ever. My heart goes out to all of his close family missing him so much.
Terrence
This was my brother, my friend. A good man that cared.
Serenity Funeral Service
1 file added to the album Memories Album