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MERVIN JAMES ALLEN MCCORRISTER Obituary pic

MERVIN JAMES ALLEN MCCORRISTER

Born: Dec 25, 1947

Date of Passing: Dec 07, 2018

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MERVIN JAMES ALLEN MCCORRISTER Born - December 25, 1947 Passed - December 7, 2018 On Friday, December 7, Merv McCorrister lost his battle with cancer, passing away peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital, with his loving wife Patti by his side. Merv handled his battle with cancer the only way he knew how, a positive attitude, a sense of humour and humility, and love and concern for those around him. Merv was widely known for his spirit and great sense of humour. He could often command a room with a joke or story or singing his infamous 'Froggy Went a Courtin'. Nicknamed 'Mr. Hospitality', he always made sure everyone had a drink in their hand and a smile on their face. Merv was born on Christmas Day, 1947, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba to Arthur 'Spike' and Doris McCorrister. In 1966, he started his long career with Manitoba Hydro, starting out as a lineman and working his way up to line maintenance manager, Manitoba South. He made many lifelong friends throughout his career and was admired and well-liked by those who worked for and with him. Merv retired at the end of 2002 after 37 years. After taking some time off, he went to work on and off at Interlake Power. He enjoyed spending his free time after retirement travelling with his wife Patti on their numerous winter road trips to Texas, Palm Springs and Arizona. Merv also spent a lot of his time with his puppy dog Pepper, teaching her tricks and hanging out with her on the back deck. Family was very important to Merv. He and Patti took their daughters on trips together every summer growing up, including camping in Itasca State Park and road trips to visit family in Alberta. Merv loved to golf in the summer and curl in the winter, and enjoyed watching (and yelling) at sports on TV. He was also known for his love of reading, barbecuing for the family, and his favourite TV shows. Merv is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patti, and his daughters, Jennifer Cummine (Dwayne), Colleen McCorrister (Nick) and Lorilynn McCorrister (Jeremy). Proud grandpa to Asher, Quinn, Grace, Dylan and Benjamin. Also survived by father-in-law Gordon Ray, sister-in-law Marlene McCorrister, brother-in-law Ken Ray (Janice), brother-in-law Kerry Smeltz, and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father Arthur 'Spike' McCorrister, mother Doris McCorrister (Sharp), sisters, June Wood and Lorraine Smith, stepfather Walter Weedmark, brother Cal McCorrister, mother-in-law Patricia Ray, sister-in-law Kathleen Smeltz and nephew Darren McCorrister. The family would like to express thanks to the doctors, nurses, and health care aides in St. Boniface Hospital's Palliative Care Ward for their great care. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 18 at Canad Inns Destination Centre, Fort Garry in Ambassador Room F, 1824 Pembina Hwy., Winnipeg, Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Merv's name to a charity of one's choice. Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715
Publish Date: Dec 15, 2018

MERVIN JAMES ALLEN MCCORRISTER December 25, 1947 - December 7, 2018 Mervin James Allen McCorrister passed away peacefully on Friday, December 7 with his loving wife Patti by his side. He will be deeply missed by his three daughters, Jennifer, Colleen and Lorilynn and his five grandchildren. Longer obituary and details on Celebration of Life to follow.
Publish Date: Dec 8, 2018

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 08, 2018, Dec 15, 2018

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

  • Rest In Peace Merv, he was always a Happy Camper. - Posted by: Alex & Linda Brown (MB Hydro co-worker ) on: Dec 18, 2018

  • My sincerest heartfelt condolences to Patti, Jennifer, Colleen, Lorilynn and your entire family. - Posted by: Jason Chapman (Friend of family ) on: Dec 15, 2018

  • I will always remember Merve for the endless jokes he taught me! Too many to remember but! I don’t know how he remembered to many jokes!! He was a big part of my family, with my dad being one of Merve’s best lifelong friends. I babysat his daughters, spent lots of time with his family, and his Hydro buddies. Merve was always with a smile on his face a joke at the ready!! I will always remember you Mervin! - Posted by: Jason Chapman (Son of his buddy Blair) on: Dec 15, 2018

  • Merv was much more than "just a cousin" to me, sharing good times, tragedies and adventures through our lives. Our lives were interwoven starting when we were both little kids and continued throughout the years. Many fond memories and experiences came from those times and will be cherished for the rest of my days. My wife Jan shared in many of those later activities and saw Merv as a loved family member as well. We will miss you, buddy... - Posted by: Bill & Jan Boskwick (Cousin) on: Dec 15, 2018

  • Worked for Merv on and off many years ago, carpooled together for the better part of a year. Oddly enough, even had the opportunity to have a drink or two together. Lots of great memories. Great boss, always a pleasure to work for/with. Good friend, will be missed for sure! - Posted by: Rick K (Coworker) on: Dec 11, 2018

  • Sad for your loss. Merv was one of the best. - Posted by: Jim Caron (coworker) on: Dec 11, 2018

  • Many smiles and much laughter over a lifetime of joyous memories! Going to miss you! Sincere condolences to Patti and the children! Sandra always talked so fondly of childhood memories and that friendship extended through out adulthood! Goodbye ol’ buddy! Paul and Janice Peterson - Posted by: Paul Peterson (Husband of Sandra cousin to Merv) on: Dec 09, 2018

  • Mervin was my cousin and I have fond memories of Merv all my life. What I remember most about him was that the man didn't have a mean bone in his body. He was always in a cheerful mood and loved to laugh. I spoke to him on the phone just a couple of weeks ago and he had no complaints whatsoever about his situation. He told me that he knows that he doesn't have much time left, and he's not going to spend it feeling sorry for himself, but that he was going to spend it being happy for his life and his family. That's just the wonderful man, husband, father, grampa, and friend that Merv was. Karen and I will not ever forget you cousin Merv, and thank you for leading by example of what wonderful people we could all be, just by being happy and kind to all. We love you and will ALWAYS keep you in our hearts! Thanks Cuz! Love Jim & Karen Tilley. - Posted by: Jim & Karen Tilley (Cousin in Windsor Ontario) on: Dec 09, 2018

  • Rest in peace, my old friend. Patti and family, rest assured that he was loved by all who knew him. - Posted by: Joe Maloney (Friend and co-worker) on: Dec 08, 2018

  • Patti and family...we are so very sorry of Merv’s passing so young. He fought hard right to the end. We will sure miss his jovial laugh and sense of humor. Gerry will miss his phone calls with up dates on Hydro news and how their old buddies are all doing. Glad we had a few years of his and your company down in Texas. Memories we won’t forget. Our condolences to you all. - Posted by: Gerry and Marilyn (Friends) on: Dec 08, 2018

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