MERVYN GARFIELD REID

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MERVYN GARFIELD REID Born November 3, 1922 Merv passed away peacefully in Kenora, ON on October 14, 2010 at the age of 87. Merv leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Marjorie, of 65 years; his brother John (Diane) of Vernon, BC; his daughter Susan (Dale) of Red Deer, AB; sons, Michael (Wendy) and Malcolm (Doreen) of Minaki, ON, and David (Marie) of Winnipeg, as well as five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Elmer and Emily, and brother Lorne. Merv enlisted in the R.C.A.F. in 1941 as a pilot, then navigator and was attached to the R.A.F. Bomber Command during the Second World War. He was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross for displaying utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty on over 38 sorties, participating in attacks on heavily defended German Targets. He returned to Minaki in 1945 to become the postmaster but re-enlisted in 1948, until his retirement in 1969, being the Liaison Officer to Strategic Air Command in Omaha, NE. On retirement to Minaki he became Marina Manager and then Assistant General Manager of Minaki Lodge Resort until 1973. He and his sons acquired Minaki Marina in 1974 and Birch Island Resort in 1978. He finally retired in 2002 at the young age of 80. His great love of family, friends, animals and birds, as well as work, will never be forgotten. In compliance with Merv's wishes, there will be no funeral service. A private family interment will be held at Forget-Me-Not Columbarium, Kenora. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Kenora, P.O. Box 837, Kenora, ON P9N 4B5 or Pinecrest Home for the Aged, 1220 Valley Drive, Kenora, ON P9N 2W7. The family sincerely thanks the staff at Pinecrest Home for their love and care. Alcock Funeral Home and Cremation Services Kenora, ON

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 23, 2010