MERN JOHN HABING

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MERN JOHN HABING December 8, 1917 - May 28, 2010 With deep sadness, the family of Mern Habing announces his peaceful passing on May 28, 2010. The death of his beloved wife Anne a mere 103 days earlier prepared Dad for his own passage. Mern is survived by his son Ron (Isabel), daughter Donna Hayward (Terry), grandsons Sean Habing, Richard and Tim Hayward (Kristin) and great-grandson (Tristan). He is also survived by his sister June Wainman, sisters- in-law Jean, Pearl and Blanche Habing, brother-in-law Ross Ward, brothers and sisters- in-law Edward and Helen Luy, Bill and Phyllis Rosentreter, Cassie Barnes, Virginia Flett and Don Luy. Born in 1917 to Frederic and Elizabeth (Hadaller) Habing, Mern was one of 10 children. He left school at an early age to work on the home farm. As a youth, baseball and music were two of Dad's passions. He played on the Hazelridge ball team and could often be heard on the saxophone or banjo as part of a local band which entertained at socials, weddings and Saturday night dances. Then came the war. Dad volunteered in 1941, enlisting with the XII Manitoba Dragoons. He married his childhood sweetheart Anne Luy in January, 1942, before going overseas. He spent the war in Europe as a wireless operator-gunner in a Staghound armored car attached to regimental headquarters. Dad participated in the liberation of Holland, remaining with his regiment until the end of the war. He returned to Canada in 1945. Reunited with Anne, they settled down, starting their family as they cleared land and established their own small farm. In true pioneer spirit, Dad lived a simple, hard working, quiet life. He was a man of few words but had a wry sense of humour who loved to tease gently. His greatest joys were his family, nature, animals, especially his dogs, and the peace and quiet of rural life. At the age of 72 Dad retired and lived on the farm with Mom until she fell ill in 2008. He then went to live with Donna and family, where he spent the remainder of his life surrounded by the love and care of his entire family. The heartfelt thanks and appreciation of Dad's family go to Beausejour Hospital's caring staff, who treated him with respect and dignity during his final days. Cremation has taken place in accordance with Dad's wishes. A gathering of family and friends will be held on June 27, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. in the Superior Inn, Beausejour, Manitoba, in memory of the lives of both Anne and Mern Habing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 11, 2010