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MERVIN ERNEST FARMER
Born: Jul 03, 1938
Date of Passing: Jul 24, 2012
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
MERVIN ERNEST FARMER After a year and half battle with cancer, on the morning of Tuesday, July 24, 2012, Mervin Ernest Farmer passed away at the age of 74. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Lou, their seven children and 18 grandchildren: Brenda (Len Rust and daughters Lindsay and Beth), Blair (Tracy and son Jonathon), Lana (Jeff Meier and children Mollie, Branden, Chanele, Annaliese and Matthieu), Derwin (daughter Brittani), Tricia (Damon Poole and sons Tristan and Colton), Paula (Paul Munroe and children Brett, Saige and Danielle), and Trevor (Kelly and daughters Brooke, Kate, Reese and McKenna). He is also survived by his sister Myrna (Russ Oliver), sister-in-law Joey (the late Don Sargent) and brother-in-law Russ Edwards (Joanie). Mervin was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Ada Farmer. Merv was born July 3, 1938 in Portage la Prairie and moved to the Balmoral area a year later. He was a member of the Balmoral 4-H club and the Balmoral and Stonewall United Churches as well as a Sunday school teacher. Music was important to Merv and he studied piano and accordion. He continued playing the piano and organ throughout his life which his family enjoyed. Merv helped on the farm where life progressed from plowing fields with horses and the annual threshing gang harvest to their first gas powered tractor in 1949 and harvesting the crops with a combine. Merv also helped to care for the pigs and cows. When he was 17 years old he left Balmoral School and the family farm and moved to Stonewall. Merv married Luella Edwards in 1961. They bought 40 acres north of Stonewall where they raised their family and operated a small game farm. Merv had a love of birds and animals which was apparent throughout his life raising everything from elk, llamas, pheasants, goats, Japanese Sika deer to snowy owls, rabbits and raccoons. If anyone found a wounded bird or animal it made its home at the Farmers. Merv was a devoted husband, a cherished father, a loving grandfather. He raised his family in the community he loved and spent his life making a difference in. He was so proud of all of us. We will treasure the family vacations, the life lessons and gatherings that were so important to him. We will always remember him at the background of family gatherings and the forefront of our minds with his special grin and twinkle in his eye. He will always hold a special spot in our hearts. Dad provided his family with numerous opportunities to learn not only about hard work, respect and integrity but gave all of us his entrepreneurial spirit. He was a leader, someone to whom people always turned for advice or when things needed to get done. His first job which lasted a mere three hours was changing tires and oil at a local garage in Balmoral. Merv knew quickly that he didn't want to do that full time and when he saw the ad in the paper looking for full time employment at the Stonewall Argus print shop he applied immediately and found his niche in life. Merv worked for Bill and Joe Saundry from August 1955 to December 1966 before purchasing the business. In 1967 Merv founded Interlake Publishing which operated the Stonewall Argus and Teulon Times and the print shop. In 1973 he founded the Interlake Spectator and 1985 the Selkirk Journal. Merv built the existing Interlake Publishing office at the south end of Main Street in 1992. Merv served as a director and president of the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and as a director of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association. Merv received a MCNA life membership April 16, 1994 and a CCNA honorary life membership July 23, 1998 for his contributions to the improvement of the profession of community newspaper publishing in Canada. On June 12, 1992 Merv sold the business to Quebecor and retired December 31, 1999. Over his lifetime Merv involved himself in virtually every part of the community and region with recreation, business, volunteer work and family. Merv coached Little League Baseball in Stonewall for 11 years, winning 10 league championships and three provincial titles; Founded the Highway 6 and 7 Baseball and Hockey Leagues with Mike Makowski; Served on the executive of the Manitoba Amateur Hockey with Abbie Coo; Officiated in the M.A.H.A. for 12 years; Served as president of Stonewall Minor Hockey; Coached and managed several of his sons' minor hockey teams; Managed the Stonewall Jets Intermediate hockey team; Managed the Stonewall Jr. B team with Alf Slatcher; Served as president of the Western Interlake Intermediate hockey league. Besides hockey and baseball Merv was always supportive of his daughters and the Stonewall Figure Skating Club. It was only fitting that Merv was instrumental in installing the first artificial ice surface in Stonewall with Mel Stewart, Alf Slatcher and Jaunty Lowe. Merv served 25 plus years as a volunteer and deputy-chief on the Stonewall-Rockwood Fire Department; Eight years on the Stonewall and District Ambulance; Councilor for the Town of Stonewall; Chairman of the Police and Fire committee. Merv played a large part in the hiring of the R.C.M.P. to police Stonewall during this time. He was a member and served as president of the Stonewall and District Chamber; Wrote and published Turning a Century for the Town of Stonewall in 1975 commemorating its 100 year history; Compiled and published Golden Memories song book designed in large print especially for senior citizens. During his retirement Merv pioneered the elk industry in Manitoba starting up one of the first elk farms in the province. He was a founding member of the Manitoba Elk Growers Association and served on the board for many years. He always enjoyed coffee and lunch at the Balmoral Rec Centre with friends after his daily chores at the farm. His family, along with so many people he touched, mourns the passing of a man who was competitive, generous, and community-minded, had a good sense of humour and moral values. We will continue to remember Merv when Manitoba Merv' gives his prediction of an early or late spring. At Merv's request there will be no funeral service. Flowers are gratefully declined and those wishing to honour Merv's memory may do so by donating to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation (Colon Cancer), Room 1160 - 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or a charity of your choice. "You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough." - Joe E. Lewis
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 28, 2012
Condolences & Memories (17 entries)
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I met Merv some time ago. I used to come and buy elk meat, then I bought his dad's old truck, the green Mercury, which I enjoyed very much. I am truly sorry for your loss, he was a hell of nice guy, my heartfelt condolences. I just heard of his passing a couple of days ago - Posted by: alex kruit (friend) on: Dec 27, 2012
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Lou & family: We are very saddened to learn of Merv's passing. He was a great employer and wonderful person. May you find comfort in all of your cherished memories. Our sincerest condolences. Lyle & Rosemary - Posted by: Lyle & Rosemary Hodge (former employee) on: Sep 03, 2012
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Dear Lou and family, I am very saddened to hear of Mervin's passing away. My deepest sympathies to all of you at this time of mourning. Loving prayers, Pris & family. - Posted by: priscilla harrington ( cousin by marriage) on: Aug 13, 2012
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To Lou & family, Deepest condolences to all the family we have fond memories of Merv & the many things he did for his community. He truly had that community spirit. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Myron & Emily Phipps - Posted by: Emily Phipps (Friend) on: Aug 12, 2012
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A true gentleman and an inspiration to us all. I was very glad to have known him. Merv will be sorely missed. - Posted by: David Kalnuk (Friend, business colleague, and former employee.) on: Aug 10, 2012
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My sympathy to the family. He was a great person to know, I really enjoyed visiting with him. - Posted by: Mary-Ann Derkson (former emploee) on: Aug 08, 2012
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It was with great sadness that I learned of Mervin's passing. I will always cherish the friendship we shared. My deepest condolences to Lou & Family - Posted by: Jean Charlebois ( Jack Bruce) (Freind) on: Aug 08, 2012
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To Lou and Joey..... Just read the tribute to Merv.... Fond memories of our early days ... After reading about his amazing life I know he will be missed but you will have so many wonderful memories to cherish....with deepest sympathy ......Merle Waite - Posted by: Merle Waite () on: Aug 05, 2012
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The best Publisher I ever found... or worked for.. and he was my first. To Lou and the kids ... you have my prayers and wishes. Best house parties ever! Best family zoo. And great Winnipeg Jets seats! Thanks to all of you for being my surrogate family when I needed one... Love Terrance Merv was much more than an employer. - Posted by: Terrance Gavan (Employee Interlake Publishing) on: Aug 02, 2012
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Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. Ursula and Gary Durand - Posted by: Gary Durand (Friend ) on: Aug 02, 2012
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My condolences are with you Lou. You will have many wonderful memories of your life together. My prayers are with you, Much love, Mary Reimer - Posted by: Mary Reimer (Lou's nursing classmate) on: Jul 31, 2012
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I'm very proud to have known Merv, his dedication to family, and friends, is somthing I try to aspire to !!! Our deepest condolences - Posted by: Cliff & Sari Carlson (Fellow elk Farmer, and freind) on: Jul 30, 2012
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Lou and family, my sincere condolences in this most sad time with the passing of Merv. It was very special to have known and been around him and family. May you all find comfort in your fond memories of your dear husband, father and grandfather. May he rest in peace - Posted by: Garth Pritchard (Friend) on: Jul 30, 2012
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I just heard about Merv's passing today. I am very sorry to hear that Stonewall and Merv's family have lost a great guy! My memories of him are very special. He took his employees into the business, but also into his heart. I remember his warmth and understanding. He was encouraging and allowed us to grow our skills. His example will continue to shine in my memories. My condolences to his family, especially to Lou and Lana (whom I also worked with). May your memories sustain as you work towards healing your grief. Love Eveline - Posted by: Eveline Mauws (Former employee) on: Jul 30, 2012
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To Lou and family: I was extremely saddened today (July 28th)to learn of Merv's passing. It was only a week before that Carole and I stopped in at the Farmer residence for a short visit. (We were visiting Stonewall at the time from, our home in southern Ontario. Lou, you were a wonderful host, making us feel at home and very comfortable during our brief stay. Little did we think that Merv's remaining time would be so limited. I read with interest the obit in the Free Press, and was truly impressed with the wonderful quality of his life. In later years, I wish I had the opportunity of knowing him better. His lifetime achievements in the print media alone were really outstanding. May we take this opportunity to express our condolences to Wife Lou and the entire family at this difficult time. Alan & Carole VanAlstine Welland,Ontario. - Posted by: Alan VanAlstine (school friend) on: Jul 28, 2012
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Lou and Family. "I have passed the mountain peak and my soul is soaring in the firmament of complete and unbounded freedom; I am in comfort, I am in peace." May you, too, find peace in the love of family and friends and the memory of a love that never dies. With deepest sympathy. - Posted by: Jan Gluchi () on: Jul 28, 2012
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Merv was the best employer I have ever worked for. It was always a pleasure to come to work. His BBQ's after buying the prize bull were a highlight as it was the best ever. Merv leaves a huge space to fill in Stonewall and area as he was loved by all that knew him. - Posted by: Raymond Ruth (Former Employee and Friend) on: Jul 28, 2012