MERVIN MILTON HAGYARD

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MERVIN MILTON HAGYARD It is with a deep sense of sadness and loss, that the family announce the peaceful passing of Mervin Milton Hagyard on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at the summer home at Rock Lake MB at the age of 74 years. Born in 1933, his early years were spent at Purvis and LaRiviere, MB. His first employment in Winnipeg was at MTS and then CP Transport. In Feb of 1957 he began a 33 year career with the Winnipeg Fire Department. He had the distinction of being at #4 Fire Hall, (Stradbrooke Osborne) for 26 years, with 18 of those years driving the Red Car' for many district chiefs. After becoming a captain and serving in various fire halls, he retired from Winnipeg in 1989 to become the Town of Morden's first employed fire chief. He thoroughly enjoyed this new and challenging position, acquiring the Jaws of Life' and continually upgrading the fire department. He was very proud of the fire hall and his supportive crew. The coffee pot was always on and visitors welcomed. The fire hall was a popular choice for the school children tours, they all knew Stop Drop and Roll' as well as awareness of fire safety. Due to health reasons he retired regretfully from the Morden Fire Department in 1995 to return to his roots in LaRiviere and the beautiful view of the Pembina Valley. Life went on: mowing grass for the town, watering flower baskets and inserts which beautified the town, and spending time at the family cottage at Rock Lake MB. He served happily on various town committees, cheerfully with a willing hand. His saying was always What's the story here' ! Merv was received into Free Masonry in April of 1978 with Pilot Mound Lodge. He was a member of Royal Arch in Eureka Chapter, the Brandon Perceptory, and Khartum Temple. He was master of Mound Lodge #118 in 1983 and district deputy Grand Master, grand Lodge of Manitoba in 1992. He was a founding member of the Pembina Valley Shrine Club in 1990; their large fund raiser being the popular annual pickerel fish fry in LaRiviere, the Shrine Circus, and assisting ill children in need. .He became a member of Eastern Star in 1990, and an affiliated Past Patron (Morden) at Pelican Lake Chapter #62. He was co-ordinator of the Pembina Valley Mutual Aid district 1992 - 1995. He was 2nd vice chairman of the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs from 1993 - 1995. He was instrumental in encouraging new firefighters, the Fire Department was his life, the camaraderie and fulfilment were evident in his every day life. Merv will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his beloved and cherished wife of 51 years Joy, his four girls, Heather (Brad) Blue, Carol Kozak, Kim (Trevor) Morrow, Karin (Keith) Montgomery. The eleven grand-children, the light of his life, Barrett, Kelsey, and Breanna Blue, Katrina, Jolene, Jaclyn and Jared Kozak, Amanda and Kyler Morrow, Liam and Kyra Montgomery, Predeceased by a precious granddaughter Richelle Ann Montgomery in infancy December 20, 2003 at White Rock B.C.. He will be deeply missed by his two sisters Audrey (Bob) Carlson of Winnipeg, MB and Lorraine Johnson of Tustin, California. Merv's memory will treasured by Joy's eight sisters: June, Marlie, Shirley, Sharron, Lynda, Irene, Laverne and Dawn; two brothers: Ray and Barry. Also, by many beloved nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held from St. Andrews United Church in LaRiviere, MB on Monday, May 26 at 10:00 a.m. Rev, Irene Onych officiating. Following the funeral luncheon in the LaRiviere Rec. Centre, a private family ash interment will be held at Valley Memorial cemetery. At this time the family wish to express the overwhelming support, the accolades and expressions of sympathy in the loss of our beloved Merv. Friends, if they so desire, may donate in his memory to the Fire Fighters Burn Fund, 303-83 Garry Street, Winnipeg MB, R3J 4J9. UNUM CUM VIRTUTE MULTORUM ONE WITH THE VIRTUE OF MANY

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 25, 2008