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ALLAN MICHAEL MERKO
Born: May 24, 1961
Date of Passing: Dec 31, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryALLAN MICHAEL MERKO With great sadness we announce that Allan Merko peacefully passed away Monday, December 31, 2012 at the Riverview Health Centre. Allan is survived by his soulmate Val Isfeld, his daughters, his sunshine , Nicole (Kalon) and Tracy (Geordie), his sisters Joyce (Eldon) Schrader, Carol Lapka and Grace (Brian) Timmerman, as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins and many dear friends who supported him with a benefit social. Allan was born in Dauphin, Manitoba on May 24, 1961 to Jean Frykas and Michael Merko. Allan spent his earlier life residing in Gilbert Plains and Ethelbert, Manitoba where he raised his family and enjoyed hunting, camping, and adventuring in the Duck Mountains. Allan was a valued member of his community through his work, coaching and volunteering. Upon moving to Winnipeg Allan continued his expertise in carpentry work for several years before becoming the building maintenance manager at the Rossmere Country Club. Allan was also an entrepreneur in establishing his skate shop at the Vimy arena which he operated for 15 years and more recently his business of sharpening salon shears. Earlier this year Allan followed his dream and completed courses and training to become a heavy equipment operator. He obtained work at Fort McMurray, Alberta as a haul truck driver and was employed there for three months before having to return home due to his illness with cancer. Allan had a passion for hockey, golf, music and spending time with family and friends. Allan was a devoted father and he will always be remembered for his warm heart, generosity and big smile. Following cremation a memorial service will be held at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg, MB at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8, 2013. God saw you getting tired, when a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered, Come to Me . You didn't deserve what you went through So He took you home to rest. God's garden must be beautiful for He only takes the best. We will always love you and miss you!! Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 03, 2013
Condolences & Memories (19 entries)
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December 31, 2013 Dear Allan, One year ago today I said good-bye to you, my love. Not a single day has gone by without thinking of you, missing you, and loving you. Always your Angel, Val - Posted by: Val Isfeld () on: Dec 30, 2013
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Today I celebrate the life of my true love and the gifts you brought to my life. I wish so much that we could have celebrated more birthdays together. Love you forever sweetie, Val - Posted by: Val Isfeld () on: May 24, 2013
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This is such shocking news we are lost for words. While in Winnipeg Allan was a dear friend and co-worker, he solved so many of my challenges at Rossmere, always willing to go the extra mile for the team. Without him the world is not quite as good a place. Our sincere sympathy to the Merko family, please take some comfort in knowing and thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Glenn & Dorinda Singleton - Posted by: Glenn & Dorinda Singleton (Friend) on: Feb 22, 2013
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I have known Al most of my life. He was always a pleasure to be around.. We had spend many good times. I will miss him dearly. Vimy Arena will never be the same! My condolences to the Family and friends. Love you AL and see you in Heaven! - Posted by: Diane Frykas Favell MacMillan (Cousin) on: Jan 08, 2013
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Just found out after the Funeral. Al and I had some GREAT times together as we were cousins BUT GOOD friends. Al you will be missed. You always did Anything you could for people. Brian / Judy Frykas and Family - Posted by: Brian Frykas (Cousin/ Friends) on: Jan 08, 2013
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Al was such an unbelievable person. It was always super to see him smiling and strutting around the putting green at Rossmere, not during work hours! I have many fond memories and I am so glad I got to meet Val and have a visit with you prior to your passing. - Posted by: Pat Werestiuk (Friend from Rossmere) on: Jan 07, 2013
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Al sharpened our boys' skates for many years, knew their names and their preferences, and treated them with respect and interest always. We always enjoyed pleasant conversations with this good-natured guy. He'll be missed. - Posted by: The McLeod Arnould Family (customers) on: Jan 05, 2013
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I took the course at keyano with Allan. Sat right next to him. He was a very kind person who spoke very highly of his daughters. Very sorry to hear of his passing. He worked very hard. All the best to his family - Posted by: Murray Vandevalk (Classmate) on: Jan 05, 2013
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One (as there are many) of my favourite childhood memories I have of my daddy is whenever we saw a rainbow dad would take my sister and I for rainbow ice cream. I love so much Daddy and I will miss you forever!! - Posted by: Nicole Merko (Daughter) on: Jan 05, 2013
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Al was a great guy. I knew Al from seeing his smiling face at Rossmere. Golfing with Al was always fun and I miss that. I was so happy that I got a chance to see him before he left for a better place without pain. Al, many people thought highly of you and you left us better people for having known you. You will be missed - Posted by: Kathy Slezak (Friend) on: Jan 04, 2013
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Al sharpened my kids skates for 10 years. Having three kids playing hockey and two of them goalies Al knew how to sharpen the skates to each of their likening. Al knew each of kids by names and would ask how they were doing. Al would stay open late or open early with a smile when asked. Loved to show off his Bryan Trottier signed pictured. RIP my friend. - Posted by: Ernie Sass (Friend) on: Jan 04, 2013
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Al was the master sharpener of both my kids goalie skates for 4 seasons. I was at his shop at least 3 times a week during which time we nurtured a kindred relationship throughout the hockey season. Al would listen intently to all my stories of my kids accomplishments and cheer them on. He was a champion for all the young hockey players for whom he sharpened skates. I would often bring him a Tim's coffee and he in turn would give me the warmest of hugs especially when he knew how exhausted I was; run ragged during hockey season. I moved from Winnipeg last summer and didn't know that Al was sick until my son told me today of his passing. My children and I offer our sincerest condolences to Allan's family. I know you were very weary Al....your journey is over, you can rest in peace. - Posted by: Donna Pigden (Skate shop patron/friend) on: Jan 04, 2013
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Joyce, Carol, and Grace, I was deeply saddened to learn of Allan's passing. Though many years have passed, I fondly remember many special times spent with Allan and the family during summer vacations, and special holiday celebrations. I will always remember Allan for his humour and fun personality and warm caring ways. Though his journey in recent months was not an easy one, he is now at peace and surrounded by many other loved ones to welcome him with open arms. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May your many cherished memories ease your heart. God Bless and take care.....Donna - Posted by: Donna Jervis (nee Woytowich) (family friend) on: Jan 03, 2013
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Although I only knew you as "Al" the super nice guy that does the best skate sharpening around St James, you will be missed, you always had a big smile on your face, always interested in what that week brought as far as hockey games the kids had going on... sorry to the family for your loss, I will miss that nice guy who was always up for a chat at Vimy... - Posted by: Susan Carriere (friend) on: Jan 03, 2013
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Allan and I spent many years growing up together and driving the town with his yellow Nova. You were a good friend. I will miss you! - Posted by: Mel Natrasany (Close buddies growing up) on: Jan 03, 2013
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I am sorry Al that you and I never got to see each other before you were taken from us. May you rest in peace now and my sympathy and condolences go out to your loved ones, family, and friends. You will be missed dearly by all just as you cherished everyone close to you! Marilyn Berezowski - Posted by: Marilyn Berezowski (Friend) on: Jan 03, 2013
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Dear Nicole, Tracy, Val and family, we had the pleasure of Allan's presence in our family for only a few short years, he was a wonderful, kind-hearted person, and we will miss his big, shy grin. please accept our sincerest condolences, Kathy & Bill, Joanne & Dave, Bobby & Alice - Posted by: Allan Merko (Val"s family) on: Jan 03, 2013
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I met Al 5 years ago at Al's little corner in vimy, best at what he did always had time to talk and had suckers for the kids. you will be missed my friend...... - Posted by: Dillon Smith (friend) on: Jan 03, 2013
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One of the most kind, thoughtful and generous people I have known. Will miss seeing your smiling face at Vimy Arena - thank you for your friendship. My condolences to the family, so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: TARA BURNELL (FRIEND) on: Jan 03, 2013