Obituary of Elmer Wilfred Merriman
Elmer Wilfred Merriman
June 27, 1931 – March 6, 2020
Dear Dad,
If you are reading this then your long hard battle with Parkinson’s is over. We want you to know that we realize how hard it was for you yet you soldiered on until you couldn’t.
You became a young father at 21 and took to your new role with great responsibility and love. You worked two jobs, one at Preston Microfilming and the second as an auto mechanic for as long as we can remember before accepting a position with the Toronto School District Board. There you took on many hats before landing as chief custodian at various schools.
Your participation in sports took a back seat as you raised your five children. You were a great hockey and baseball player but absolutely loved shooting pool. Yes, Dad your pool cues have gone with you so can enjoy your pool games!
Golf became a passion once you retired. We are absolutely sure you have played several rounds of golf by now. Do you get all holes in one in heaven Dad? Uncle Vince asks that you please save him a spot in your foursome.
Your children and grandchildren certainly have your love of sport. Hockey, baseball, softball, football, golf, fishing, skiing, wrestling and basketball are just a few of the sports we pursue and for that we thank you Dad for enriching our lives.
Your many life long friends and extended family lovingly called you by your nickname ‘Dink’ and often wondered where that name came from. Your father, Grandpa Tom loved the 1931 movie ‘The Champ’ and the character of ‘Dink’ reminded him of you.
You and Mom brought so many wonderful friends into our lives. Marlene and Vince, Grace and Glynn, Bev and Bill, Pearl and Ken, Donna and Bill to name a few. Many of their children are our good friends today. We remember watching Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday night at any one of their homes playing in our PJ’s while the adults played euchre and enjoyed a few beers.
Cottage life took on a new perspective during August 1st long weekends as your friends gathered together. There were card games, food, cottage chores to be tackled, lots of laughs and the annual ‘Muckers’ tournament. Everyone wanted to be your partner Dad. You were the best!
Your marriage to Mom for 67 years was in a way a love story and your loyalty and sense of responsibility to her and keeping her safe as her dementia progresses showed through right to the end. Never sure why you called each other Mom and Dad but it worked. Don’t worry Dad we got Mom from here.
Your wonderful sense of humour stayed with you until last we spoke. Your grin when someone made you laugh will always be remembered and can be seen without a doubt in your newest great-granddaughter Ella.
When the doctor asked you to share something about yourself you said you were independent and loved your family. Well yes you were independent but we would add strong provider, loyal, responsible, stubborn and one hell of a stand-up guy.
Your love for your children, Lynn, Alan, Paula, Wayne and Tom, your grandchildren Reg, Robyn, Kyle. Lana, Graeme, K.J., Geoff, Evan, Jordan, Mackenzie, Carson and Conner and great-grandchildren Cameron, Griffin, Ellison (Ellie), Ava, McKenna and Elizabeth Lynn (Ella) was felt by all.
Oh, Dad we are all so sad but want you to know that we loved you dearly and will miss you. You will always be remembered in our hearts for what a good father you were.
Love
Lynn, Alan, Paula, Wayne and Tom
To share memories, photos and make donations in his memory, please visit his memorial web page at www.ecofuneral.ca
Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.
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