Mervyn PEDLOW

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PEDLOW: Mervyn James Pedlow passed away suddenly at the family cottage at Sandy Lake, MB on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 66 years of age. Merv was born October 21, 1942 at Elkhorn, MB to parents Earl and Ida Pedlow. He grew up on the family farm along with his younger brothers Doug and Allen. He attended Mossgiel School and Elkhorn High School. As a farm boy he developed a strong work ethic and as a teenager spent long hours working in the fields. During high school he enjoyed softball, curling and putting countless miles on his father’s car taking in dances in Elkhorn, Virden and surrounding areas. He met his wife, June, in high school and they chummed around in the same crowd. This high school friendship later bloomed into romance and on August 8, 1964, Merv and June were married and settled in Brandon. Merv graduated as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in 1965. During his three-year training he received the Canadian Nurses Award, a silver medal in his second year and as a graduate he received the Bristow Award and the gold medal. While working at BMHC he took the Welfare Services Training Course at Assiniboine College, working nights and going to school in the daytime. From 1966-69 he worked for the Department of Welfare and then as a Vocational Counsellor for the Department of Community Services. In 1970 he became Director of Income Security and in 1976 became the Director of Employment Services for 11 years. This position required him to commute to Winnipeg, which resulted in many nights in hotels so that his family could remain in Brandon. In 1990-93 he was Regional Coordinator for Human Resources Opportunity Programs and in 1996 Parkland Region and Westbran were added to his responsibilities. Merv enjoyed working in programs which provided assistance to disadvantaged people and he saw potential in everyone. He always went the extra mile to help them reach their goals. Merv retired from the Manitoba Government in 1997 but later took on a term position with Brandon Area Planning. In spite of a demanding career Merv enjoyed curling, fishing and building the family cottage and was active in the East End Community Centre. Merv and June raised two sons; Scott, born in 1968 and David in 1970. They soon became involved in their boys’ activities, particularly baseball and hockey and weekends found them travelling to various communities for ball tournaments and hockey games. During that time Merv served as a manager for several hockey teams. Merv put his leadership skills to good use in his community endeavors. He served as President of the East End Community Centre and Central Council of Community Centres. He was President of the MGEA Curling Bonspiel Committee and a committee member for several years. He served as Vice-President of the Brandon Youth Hockey Association and was on the executive for 16 years. He was Youth Hockey Registrar for the Manitoba Amateur Hockey Association for seven years and Vice-President of the Manitoba Triple A Midget Hockey League and executive member for 11 years. He also served as Vice-President of the Brandon Riverbank Development Inc. In their retirement Merv and June enjoyed many great trips within Canada and the USA. They travelled in their van through a total of 38 states over the years. Merv was dedicated to his family and was always ready to support them in any way. He always put their needs before his own. He cared little about material things and more about integrity and work ethic. He was a frugal man and his motto was “Never pay anyone to do what you can do yourself.” He demonstrated this by doing countless repairs and renovations to his own homes as well as those of his family. Over the past eight years Merv had faced challenges related to his health. As a result his lifestyle changed. Although he did not partake in many social activities, he remained keenly interested in his family’s activities, particularly those of his grandchildren. They were the light of his life and he loved to hear their stories about school, sports, etc. He had recently attended several events and was so proud of them. Merv is survived by his wife, June, sons Scott (Lisa), David (Krista) and grandchildren Breanne, Brynn, Caden and Dustin all of Brandon. Also surviving are brothers Doug (Carol) of Thunder Bay, ON and Allen (Sharon) of Brandon, brother-in-law Ron Lund of Alonsa, MB, nephews Michael, Dale, Terry and Ryan Pedlow, niece Krista Penner and two great-nephews Zachary and Jase Pedlow. Merv was predeceased by his parents Earl and Ida Pedlow and father-in-law and mother-in-law George and Jean Lund all of Elkhorn, MB. The Memorial Service was held at Trinity United Church on Monday, June 15, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating. A private family service took place at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. If friends desire donations in memory of Merv may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 415-1st Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2W8 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, Unit 3, 824 – 18th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 5B7. God’s PromiseGod didn’t promise days without painLaughter without sorrow or sun without rain.But God did promise strength for the day,Comfort for the tears and a light for the wayAnd for all who believe in His Kingdom aboveHe answers their prayers with everlasting love.Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 20, 2009