Brian Merkley passed away peacefully in the early morning of December 24, 2020 at The Residences at Clayton Heights, Surrey, BC
Husband of Barbara Merkley (nee Painter), father of Joanne O’Brien (Stephen Hewitt) & Grant Merkley (Kathryn Turner). Grandfather to Spencer O’Brien (Ashley), Madelyne Merkley, Rylin Merkley, Cole Hewitt (Cassi) and Emily Swindells (Dustin). Brian is pre-deceased by his sisters Shirley, Jean, Glenda and Georgina (George), as well as his brother Edward (Eddie). He is survived by his sister Gwen and many nieces and nephews.
Brian was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba and moved to British Columbia in 1964. He met Barbara and they were married in Duncan, BC May 7th, 1966.
Brian’s work as a janitorial engineer at Langley Memorial Hospital (where he met Barb) soon evolved into his lifelong career as a salesman. After moving to Alberta in 1968, he joined the team at Greer’s in Edmonton, followed by Burnside equipment. Later he worked for Clarke’s floor equipment where in 1979 he was relocated to White Rock, BC. In 1990, Brian joined the team at ACME Supplies Ltd., and he and Barb moved to Vancouver Island. Brian retired in 2004 and they made their home in South Surrey, BC.
Brian volunteered for a number of years after his retirement at the Canada Cup International Women’s Fastpitch Tournament, held annually in the summer at Softball City and the Cloverdale Athletic Field.
Brian was an avid walker (and talker), and had many “favorite” routes he would take, including the White Rock Beach, Semiahmoo Mall – and most notably, to his favorite coffee place – McDonald’s – where you were most guaranteed to find him at 10:00 am each morning.
Please all – have a coffee for Brian – he will be missed – Rest in peace Pops – you can give your mind a break now.
In lieu of flowers – donations can be made to:
RMHC Canada
(Ronald McDonald House Canada)
www.rmhccanada.ca / Donate to a fundraiser / “In Memory of Brian Merkley”
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