Tony Joseph Merritt

“Anything is possible.” That is what Tony Joseph Merritt believed about life. He was a creative man, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting him. He had faith in his ability to find those solutions. Tony thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. He possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Tony was a person who believed that he could achieve whatever he set out to do.

      Tony was born on May 19, 1956 at Canadian Forces Base Saskatoon in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. His parents were Walter and Stella. Tony was raised in Chatham NB, now Miramichi. He showed his ingenuity even as a child. When he was confronted with a problem, Tony could develop an imaginative solution, and he derived satisfaction from knowing he had that ability.

      This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Tony's family relationships. Tony was raised with three siblings. He had older sister Dorothy Ann, older brother Ron, younger sister Virginia. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Tony was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.

      As a young boy, Tony could be found building and inventing new and different things. He was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. Tony took part mostly in the neighbourhood activities. He was a military cadet. In his spare time he liked watch sports. One of Tony's most memorable activities was helping his grandfather at his store.

      Endowed with an appetite for knowing how his world worked, Tony enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved dissecting and probing the unknown. Tony was adept at scrutinizing different possibilities and designing innovative solutions. He attended Chatham High School in New Brunswick but he did not graduate until after he enlisted in the Military. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was History. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was his Geography teacher, he loved to think of travelling.

      He was always on a quest for knowledge and he relished the experience. Theories intrigued him, and he was good at solving complex problems. He always wanted to understand rather than judge. He continued to take part in Military courses to advance his career.

      Tony was socially resourceful, an expressive person who was willing to try new things. These qualities drew a lively circle of friends around him. Always interested in his friends’ activities and interests, Tony was uncritical of his acquaintances. He was sought after by people who recognized that he was generous with his time and energy, and these same friends found Tony to be very stimulating company. Tony's humor and curiosity were contagious for those around him. While growing up, some of his best friends were Mike (Tanker) Malley, Rick Nagle and his brother Ron. Later in life, he became friends with Kirk Newhook, Jimmy, Dave, Ken, David, Patrick, Chris, Bernie and MANY more.

      On August 6, 1994 Tony exchanged wedding vows with Teresa Marie Ingoldsby at Canadian Forces Staff College, then the marriage was Blessed at St Sebastian Chapel at CFB Toronto. Tony was adept at devising original and creative ways to enhance and improve the marriage partnership. Tony was seldom a critical person, but rather the one who was able to bring out the best in others. Tony was an entertaining conversationalist who was quick to respond to his spouse’s needs. He was a vibrant personality and he enjoyed verbally sparring with Teresa. In fact, those who knew him often remarked that Tony loved to argue for argument’s sake. He was very perceptive in recognizing others’ feelings, especially regarding Teresa's.

      Tony's remarkable talent for being inventive influenced his relationship with his daughter. He would create original, clever and fun games for his kids and had a knack for finding ways to make everyday events, even chores, enjoyable to them. Tony was blessed with one daughter, Elizabeth. Someone who was quick to laugh, Tony found it easy to spend lots of time with her, but he was never overbearing or guilty of pushing himself on them.

      As a born inventor, Tony was definitely in his element in his work place. He could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Tony was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. He could assess all of the options before him and, using his analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. His personal initiative inspired those around him. Tony was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. His primary occupation was a Steward in the Canadian Forces for 27 years then a Flight Attendant with WestJet Airlines for 13 years. He was employed as a Steward, a Flight Attendant, Supervisor at the Calgary Stampede and helped at Westbourne Seniors Complex. Tony always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Tony's “never say die” attitude and his ability to face any challenge no matter how difficult it might be were tremendous assets that Tony carried with him into the military. Tony was mostly a Steward in the Air Force uniform but was then a Petty Officer 2 when he retired. He was based mostly out of Eastern Canada and spent the last five years of active service in Winnipeg. Tony was not in an active war although he was responsible for stocking the HMCS Protectuer before it went to the Middle East. Through his hard work and dedication, he earned not only the respect of his fellow service men and women, but also was presented with various awards. He received many awards and commendations throughout his career. They are displayed in one room of his home. His last rank was Petty Officer 2, he turned down a promotion at the end of his career in order to work for WestJet.

      Tony's passion for finding a better way to do things was often an end in itself for him. In fact, that interest by itself became something of a hobby for this perpetual problem solver. Since Tony was always searching for new and unusual activities, he developed many interests and leisure pursuits. Some of the things he became an “expert” in might come as a surprise to those who knew him, but most friends and family understood that Tony simply couldn’t be limited to just a few activities or ideas. His favorite thing to do was watch sports and follow his favourite teams. He even went to spring training one year to watch the Toronto Blue Jays. His aim was to visit every NHL arena.

      Tony's calm demeanor and eternally positive outlook served him well as a participant of recreational sports including baseball and curling. Tony was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey, the Toronto Blue Jays baseball, curling, football and pretty much any level of hockey.

      Tony's talents were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something he did throughout his life. He enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in most any situation. Tony could bring a breath of fresh air to any organization, simply by introducing his novel ideas and problem solving strategies. Throughout his later years, Tony was an active member of Lions Clubs and the Royal Canadian Legion.

      Tony was continually concerned with the status of local, national and even world affairs. His keen interest and strong values led him to become active in his community. Tony was involved with Ringette Calgary and assisted with the Esso Golden Ring Tournament each year. He also did attend some meetings for the local Thorncliffe Community Association. Politically, Tony was more concerned with what could be done for the neighbourhood and the community that he lived in.

      Faith and religion were important to Tony. He was a member of Corpus Christi parish in Calgary for 13 years. During that time, he was mostly a father participating in the sacramental lessons for Elizabeth.

      With all of his talents, his ingenuity, his solutions and inventiveness, it is no surprise that Tony received public recognition for his competence. With the drive and ability to meet any challenge, Tony accumulated a long list of achievements throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards were associated with his Military service and his time at WestJet. He was very humble about them and considered that he was just doing his job.

      Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Tony. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Tony to expand his ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included Hawaii, Dominican Republic, and the most favourite place to go was the cottage in Muskoka Ontario.

      Tony was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Tony's favorites was the dogs and cats he had growing up. After he got married Tony did not pursue the idea of pets because Teresa is allergic to many animals.

      Even while in retirement, Tony never stopped exercising his inventive talents, and this new phase of his life provided new opportunities for stimulating his interests. Tony retired from the Military in 2001., He relocated to Calgary in order to work for WestJet. In retirement, he found new pleasure in working at a Flight Attendant. He enjoyed meeting new people and didn't really consider what he did at "work" because he had a lot of fun on flights. It also gave him the opportunity to go to hockey games in other cities. Even in retirement, Tony continued to stay in touch with his old friends and while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

      Tony passed away on April 5, 2014 at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Alberta. Tony had developed an aggressive form of Colon Cancer that was Stage 4 before it was found. It travelled to four other organs in his body and continued to actively grow even after sugery. He is survived by his wife Teresa and daughter Elizabeth. His mother, Stella, is still alive as well as his sisters and brother. He considered Teresa's family as his own and they accepted him without hesitation, Sylvia, Lucie Anne & Jim, Dan & Marg and Michael. Services were held at Corpus Christi Church on April 11th and a Celebration of Tony's Life took place May 10th in Waterloo, Ontario. Tony was cremated.

      During his lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Tony. He met the words “it can’t be done” with the enthusiastic challenge of a “wanna bet” attitude. Tony was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around him could not. For Tony, the traditional way of doing things fell short of his expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Tony Joseph Merritt, the fun of living his life could be found in the challenge.

* * * * * * * * * *

Tony Joseph Merritt, beloved husband of Teresa, lost his fight with cancer on Saturday, April 5, 2014 at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, AB.

Tony was born in Saskatoon, SK on May 19, 1956. He welcomed every new day wherever he was. Tony began life as a military brat and was a proud member of the Canadian Forces for 27 years as well as a Flight Attendant with WestJet for nearly 13 years. He loved to tell stories of his adventures, serving heads of state around the world, including the Queen Mother, as well as meeting guests on flight and making friends. Tony is survived by his wife Teresa (nee Ingoldsby); daughter Elizabeth; mother Stella; sisters Dorothy Ann and Virginia (Vince); brother Ron (Carol); mother-in-law Sylvia; sister-in-law Lucie Anne (Jim); brothers-in-law Dan (Marg) and Michael as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father Walter. Tony was the ultimate volunteer - whether you needed a ride, help to move or an extra pair of hands at a sporting event. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Unit 102 at the Foothills Medical Centre for their care and compassion.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Thursday, April 10, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, 404 Northmount Place N.W., Calgary, AB on Friday, April 11, 2014 at 10:30 a.m.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Suite 200-119 14 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost their #1 fan. GO LEAFS GO!

FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL

FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATIORIUM

Telephone: 403-297-0888

Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial