Frank Mervyn Cavers

Merv is survived by his wife, Janice and daughters Sharon and Val and son-in-law Al Macgillivray, grandchildren Madrin (Mielen) and Francis and by his sister Pat and husband Harvey Anton.

Dad was born in Winnipeg and spent childhood years in Virden and Victoria before the family settled on Fleet Avenue in Winnipeg. He met Jan, a Warsaw Crescent girl, and they were a couple from day one until the end. Dad got a taste of adventure serving a stint on the Mid Canada Line and forged a career in telecommunications with the majority of years spent with Manitoba Telephone Systems (MTS). He took advantage of the opportunity to move the family to Ottawa for 2 great years and work with Trans-Canada Telephone Systems.

What dad would want to be remembered for is his love of adventure and nature. Adventure led to canoe trips, dad canoed some of the most iconic rivers in Canada, the Churchill, the Coppermine and Nahanni. His slide shows from those trips dazzled us as kids and sparked reverence for his paddling skills. Dad was a cross-country skier. He loved to ski and could be found on the Birds Hill Park trails many winter weekends. Dad took on new adventures and with some close friends, discovered the beauty of Nepal. He fell in love with Nepal, trekking and eventually supporting guides on group excursions. Back home, dad was a relentless competitor. He trained tirelessly for triathlons and various races and fulfilled a childhood dream by learning to fly. He loved swimming, skiing and cycling; we know that he made many good friends along the way.

Dad shared his passions with us and with his grandkids. He was a patient coach and teacher. He was a loving husband, and the two high school sweethearts shared a strong bond and enjoyed many adventures together along the way.

Dad had such a variety of interests and passions, and he explored them all with great enthusiasm, he lived a very full, happy life. He had many close friendships and held his family and friends in high esteem.

Merv loved his city, Winnipeg. In his memory, please consider a donation to the Winnipeg Foundation.