FRANK VICTOR MERCER

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FRANK VICTOR MERCER Dad was born on March 15, 1923 in Cross Lake, MB. As a child, he enjoyed the outdoors and hunting. On September 22, 1942; at the age of 20 and one half he enlisted in the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, but was discharged for medical reasons without having gone overseas. He was always proud of his involvement in the Legion. Dad married Mom, Osk Jonasson, daughter of Alex and Katrine Doll on October 27, 1946 in Winnipeg. They had three children. He was a commercial fisherman, fishing at Wabowden and Lake Winnipeg. He then started with Canadian National Railways. Dad worked for CN for 35 and one half years and retired in 1981. He was a great hunter and fisherman and many times brought meat to friends in Wabowden. Dad couldnt swim a stroke, but he had a knack for reading the lake and weather. As a smoker, it became awfully hard to light those smokes when the big waves came on, but he always managed. The great pickerel feasts we had with friends and family will always be remembered. After retirement, Dad enjoyed his golf and league bowling. He also spent time curling and was proud of his time serving as the Bingo Chairman for the Legion. Cribbage was another game that Dad loved, and played into his last years of retirement. We lost Mom on October 31, 1973 and Dad stayed a bachelor, raising 11 year old Wes on his own in true northern tradition. Frank left many friends in The Pas and at the Legion when he moved to Binscarth in 2002. In Binscarth he charmed the ladies at the Lodge and the Credit Union, telling them he was glad he moved because they didnt know all his jokes yet and he could tell them again. Dad enjoyed his trips to visit Burnell and Pat in Calgary, but a city driver he was not! Frank passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at the Russell Health Centre, Russell, MB, at the age of 81 years. Frank leaves behind to mourn and hold many memories, son Burnell and wife Pat of Calgary, AB, their children, grandson Shawn, granddaughter Michelle Mercer and great-granddaughter Kylie; son Neil and Sherri of Chase, BC, their children, grandson Cory of Golden, BC and granddaughter Jordon; son Wesley and Bev (Uma) from Binscarth, their children, granddaughter Nicole, grandson Christopher, grandson Logan and granddaughter Chloe. In the last few years in Binscarth the Mercer children will hold wonderful memories of their Poppa, taking turns bringing him supper each night and he always had a special treat for them. Frank will be missed by those whose lives he touched, who he shared a friendship and his love for the land and lake. His family will always hold precious the good times and memories; knowing that he is in His hands now and watching over his loved ones. "Be at Peace" A service of remembrance was held Saturday, May 29, 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas with Rev. Paul Bringleson presiding. Organist was Isobel Halcrow. Honorary Pallbearers were Franks grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Shawn Mercer, Cory Mercer, Michelle Mercer, Nicole Mercer, Christopher Mercer, Logan Mercer Chloe Mercer, Jordan Mercer, Kylie Mercer. Royal Canadian Legion Honor Guard, Branch No. 19, The Pas were Doug Goldstrand Sr., Claude Joyal, Joe Cloutier, Jim Blake. Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2004