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ALLAN MERKEL  Obituary pic

ALLAN MERKEL

Born: Aug 28, 1942

Date of Passing: Dec 01, 2017

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ALLAN MERKEL Allan passed Friday, December 1, 2017, at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara, of 54 years; daughter Theresa (Mike); two sons Philip (Cheryl) and Erik (Melanie); grandchildren Jordan, Alexander, Kyle, Kevin, Noelle and Shae-lynne; brother, Phil (Jen) and their children Shawn and Colin. He was predeceased by his parents, August and Annie Merkel. Al was born on August 28, 1942. He grew up and was schooled in Selkirk. In August 1960 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and served till 1965. He was always very proud of his service. In 1963 he married Barbara (nee Bosak), together they had three children. He supported them when they joined Air Cadets, and was very much involved in their numerous challenges. He was always very proud of his children, and their accomplishments. Later, when grandchildren arrived, he was a proud grandfather and a mentor. Al always looked forward to spending time with his brother and wife Jen. They never ran out of topics to discuss. Al was always involved with anything related to the military. He served on the executive at the Army and Navy while he lived in Selkirk; later when he moved to Tyndall, he joined the local Legion. He also was on the executive in Beausejour Legion. Al loved Tyndall. He would always talk to his family and friends about the wonderful and peaceful place Tyndall is, with many warm and friendly people. He was a chairman and chief advocate of the Tyndall Village Community Centre. Al worked for Manitoba Hydro in Beausejour where he met many interesting and friendly people. Al was a member of Casara for 25 years. He also joined the Eagles Aerie 3386 in Tyndall where he was on the executive. He was a member of club 50 in Beausejour, and was proud to be on their executive. He was a man of many interests, but the most avid in military collection. He collected militaria items for years. His grandchildren were his pride. He would constantly brag about them to all his friends. This always was his favourite subject. He was a good husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and brother-in-law. He is going to be missed by many. Cremation has taken place, and as per his wishes, there will be no formal funeral service held. The family would like to thank the staff at Selkirk Cancer Unit. Most sincere thanks to Dr. Demsas for his care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3. Forever in our thoughts..... Condolences may be left at www.gilbartfuneralchapel.com Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 02, 2017

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

  • Our sincere condolences to Allan’s life long friend and wife Barb. Our condolences to Terry, Phill and Eric. What a terrific life he has had. We were all the richer for being his friend. - Posted by: Scott and Tammy Ritchie (Friends) on: Dec 08, 2017

  • To Phil and Cheryl and family: sorry to hear about the loss of your father, father-in-law and grandfather. Our prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. - Posted by: Debbie Stovin and family (Related to Cheryl) on: Dec 04, 2017

  • I met Al about 15 years ago, after joining the Tyndall Eagles Aerie 3386. He was a good friend, and I enjoyed chatting with him on a variety of subjects, especially anything military. We got to discussing family histories, and I told him how my great uncle had been shot down in WW2, and he offered to do a search of the Air Force Records for me. A week or two passed, and he gave me a copy of the Official Air Force Inquiry-something my family had never received. To finally know what had transpired, and to have Al paint a better picture of the aircraft, the mission, and place it all in context was a precious gift to receive, and share with my family. I feel privileged to have known such a class act. My sincere condolences to Barbra, and the Merkel Family. Ken Cade - Posted by: Ken () on: Dec 04, 2017

  • On behalf of the Local Urban District of Tyndall-Garson we would like to offer our condolences to the Merkel family. Al helped out the LUD council members by talking care of the war memorial cenotaph in the Tyndall park. Every year he would plant flowers, change up worn flags and clean the area in the general vicinity. Al was also an important member of the Tyndall Community Center and helped grow the community center to where it is today. On behalf of the council members of the LUD, Steve Klaprat, Dave Gallant, Cameron Dawson and secretary Jan Piirik, we would like to thank Al for all of the work that he contributed to our community. - Posted by: LUD of Tyndall/Garson () on: Dec 04, 2017

  • There are certain acquaintances that bring a tear to your eye and make you truly saddened upon hearing the news of their passing. To me, Al is one of those people. I would like to thank Al and Barb for being good friends to my mother in her remaining years, taking her out for suppers and to the casino and being there for her. She considered you and Al to be very good people, very good friends. My condolences to Barb and the family on behalf of myself and my wife Cheryl. - Posted by: Cameron Dawson (Friend) on: Dec 04, 2017

  • condolences to Barb and family on your loss. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: john gislason (friend) on: Dec 03, 2017

  • I first met Al when he worked at the Beausejour District office for Manitoba Hydro in the early 80's and found him to be calm and easy going with a huge heart. When my mother had difficulty with her health in her later years Barb became her caregiver and both Al and Barb became close friends taking my mother out on numerous occasions. My mother always had great praise for Al. "If the world had more people like Al and Barb it would be a much better place." Barb, Theresa, Philip and Erik, we've lost a great man. Our thoughts are with you in this time of great sorrow. God bless all of you. Kevin, Brenda, Denee and Danika Dawson - Posted by: Kevin Dawson (Friends) on: Dec 03, 2017

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