This amazing man passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a valiant battle with cancer.
Merv was the fifth child of Sigurd and Velma Hultman, and was born on September 26, 1938 in Asquith, SK. He spent his early years on the family farm near Arlee and moved into Saskatoon as a young boy. His first job was delivering groceries at the family store. Merv’s next job was at the Co-op feed plant and in 1958 he met the love of his life Elsie (Ens), courting her until their marriage in 1961. They started a family shortly after, and in 1966 Merv began his dream job with the Saskatoon Fire Department. Moonlighting at various other jobs during his career allowed Merv and Elsie to travel extensively and create incredible memories. Many of these memories revolved around camping with family and friends. Dad’s unending patience shone through in the thousands of hours he spent behind the wheel of our boat towing endless skiers and trolling for elusive fish. His sense of humor was always on display, whether playing cards, or helping someone shingle a roof. After a rewarding 32 years he retired as a Captain in 1998. After retirement Merv and Elsie continued to enjoy their adventurous life, travelling throughout the US and Canada while visiting friends and family. They also enjoyed golfing, curling, and spending time in their backyard. Merv was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. He fought with amazing strength and courage, never complaining and continuing to crack jokes until the end.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Merv will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 57 years, Elsie; four children Connie (Doug) Peterson, Shelley (Dean) Frisky, Cory (Monica) Hultman, Tammy (Kevin) Melrose; six grandchildren Michael, Chad, Jessica, Matthew, Coby, and Hailey. He will also be greatly missed by his sisters Aldene (Norm) Lawrence, Derah Fehr, June (George) Bay; in-laws Mart, Gladys, Art (Martha), Irma, Vi (Al); and numerous nieces and nephews. Merv was predeceased by his parents Sigurd and Velma; brother Howard; Elsie’s parents George and Maria, stepmother Elizabeth; in-laws Bill, Clarence, Jack, Harry, Sarah, John, Vivian, George, Dick, and Bernie.
The family would like to sincerely thank the numerous health care providers that contributed to his amazing care and touched Merv’s life during his long battle with cancer.
A Celebration of Merv’s life will be held at The Acadia McKague’s Funeral Centre on Saturday March 17, at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the Crocus Vale Cemetery (Box 56 Arlee, SK S0K 0H0) or to the SPFFA Burn Unit at RUH.org.
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