VAN ARKADIE, Mervyn "Merv" - After a life well-lived, Mervyn (Merv) passed away peacefully, on December 24, 2021, at St. Mary's Hospital, Kitchener, in his 93rd year.
Predeceased by his parents Amy and Harris Van Arkadie and brother Derek (Betty) Van Arkadie of London, England.
Merv will be profoundly missed by his wife Gladys (Gay) Van Arkadie, his children and their spouses, son Malcolm (Mary), daughter Sue (Jonathan), stepdaughter Judith and stepson Reginald.
Merv is survived by three grandchildren, Joshua, Alexander John (Lisa) and Simon Klinck, great-grandfather to Benjamin and Eleanor Klinck and his brother Brian (Beatrice) Van Arkadie.
Beloved uncle to Ian (Lynn), Peter (Jane), Amy (Giacomo) and Raphael. Great-uncle to Annabel, Martha, Etta, Stella, Philips, Kisaine and Oliver.
Merv will be missed by his sister-in-law Marion, husband James Armitage, brother-in-law Lloyd Jacques and wife Linda.
Merv was born in London, England, where he had a career in construction, was a member of the RAF in Maintenance Command.
After immigrating to Canada in 1956, Merv continued his career as Manager Building Services, Ontario Ministry of Government Services.
Upon retirement as Assistant Director of Property Management for Ontario Provincial Government, Merv taught courses for several years on business math and finance at a local Toronto high school, was also member of the Bruce Trail Hiking Association and wrote articles for their newsletter.
Once Merv and Gay moved to Waterloo, they started a new, adventurous chapter in their lives filled with love, adventure and fun.
Merv will be remembered for his sense of humour, fairness, and being a wise gentleman and mentor who always gave great advice.
Visitation will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, January 5, 2022 from 2-3 p.m. Masks are mandatory and proof of vaccination must be shown to staff at entrance upon arrival. At a future date there will be a Celebration of Life Ceremony that will also be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Merv may be made to St. Mary's Hospital, Kitchener, or Diabetes Canada.