MERKAC, Gabriel Merkac - MARCH 9, 1932 – DECEMBER 5, 2022
Of Mitchell Corners, at the age of 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday December 6, 2022.
Devoted husband to Petronella (Ronny) Merkac (Garrels). Daughter, Cindy Stirling (Merkac). Her children and his dearest grandchildren Molly, Drew and Jaslan Stirling and many foster grandchildren.
Daughter Debbie Merkac-Robinson. Her children and his dearest grandchildren Dr. Tyler Robinson, Dr. Trevor Robinson (Justin Pope) and Tanya Robinson. Daughter Sylvia Lang (Merkac) and her husband Steve Lang.
Their children and his devoted grandchildren Denise Lang, Michael Lang and Nicole Lang. Great Grandchildren (Denise Lang) Meadow and Micah Forsyth. Daughter Linda Merkac.
Her children and his dearest grandchildren Kurtis, Alyssa and Mitch Paddison. Son Greg Merkac and his wife Laura Merkac.
Children and his beloved grandchildren Sierra, Gabriel, Gavin, Isabella and Michelle. Son Justin Merkac and his wife Pamela Merkac. Their children and devoted grandchildren Devin, Zion and Justus Merkac. Gabe was born in Sele Yugoslavia, (now Slovenia) into a family of 7 children. He immigrated to Canada as a young man with only a small suitcase and could not speak English.
He met the love of his life Ronny Garrels, married, and they built a wonderful life together. He started a successful small business, built his own home in Mitchells Corners and a cottage near Maynooth, Ontario. Gabe and Ronny ran a repair business of large appliances for many years and worked together tirelessly to ensure it’s success.
When the girls were young, they helped him put an addition on the house for a garage, 3 bedrooms and another bathroom for their growing family. We needed more room in the family home as mum was expecting Justin and we already had 7 of us living in a 3-bedroom house.
Gabe and Ronny were married almost 65 years, an amazing milestone!
Gabe volunteered in many organizations including soccer, baseball, hockey as well as the local Boy Scouts organization. He put his two boys in competitive hockey and travelled all over Canada and even into the US to compete. When a firehall opened in Courtice, Gabe trained and became a volunteer firefighter.
He served for many years with a dedicated team. He also was involved in building the rectory and church at St Therese’s parish when it arrived in Courtice. Gabe’s interests and pastimes over the years included collecting and repairing pocket watches and clocks, working on his model T car and spending time at the family cottage with his large family.
He could not sit still and was constantly puttering with something and was very proud when he managed to fix the item. Poppa was very proud of his children, grandchildren, foster grandchildren and great grandchildren and all their accomplishments. He loved to spend time with them listening to what they were up to and telling stories about the past. He was a jokester and would shake with laughter sometimes while telling stories.
Gabe was very knowledgeable and was the go-to person for advice on how to repair anything. In later years, he often supervised others to ensure things were done properly and to his specifications.
Our Dad will be remembered for his great sense of humour, regular advice, ability to fix anything he set his mind to and dedication to his family. In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Fire Hall #4’s CHARITY of choice.
Clarington Project option from the link below: Donate Now - Community Living Oshawa/Clarington (canadahelps.org) or the Scouts Canada - 27th Oshawa Scout Group or your Local group. Say Yes!
And Donate to Scouting! (scouts.ca). He will be held close in our hearts, always loved, and never forgotten.
The family appreciates all your support during this difficult time.
Arrangements entrusted with COURTICE FUNERAL CHAPEL .
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