The family of Merle Lewis is saddened to announce his passing on Tuesday, August 24th in Leduc, AB, at the age of 90.
Merle is survived by his children and their families including: Lyle Lewis (Judy), Lloyd Lewis (Marisa), and Faye Evans (Steve), and grandchildren; Mackenzie (Doug), Brennan, Kennedy (Dan), Zach (Carly), Ryker and Carson, along with their father, Jerry Evans. Merle is predeceased by his first wife, Barbara (Bennett) Lewis, in 1994, his sister Jean, in 2020, along with his mom and dad, Marguerite and Maurice Lewis.
In 1996, Merle met and soon married Shirley MacMillan of Drayton Valley, AB. Shirley passed away in June of this year. During their time together, Merle became a member of Shirley’s family and is mourned by her children
Cyril MacMillan (Lauretta), Dave MacMillan (Joan), and Sandra Lathe (Harold) and their families.
Merle was born in Altario, AB on December 30, 1930, and along with his family, moved to Fort Assiniboine a few years later. Not much for scholastic endeavors, Merle left school in grade 8 and went to work, something he’d do daily until the age of 80. As homesteaders and farmers, there was land to clear and break, logs to saw, and a farm to grow and nurture. Later in his life, there was a gas station to manage and gas to pump. Many in the region know Merle from his years serving gas and running the gas station at the T-intersection at the Fort. For those who remember, Merle’s father Maurice worked at the same gas station back when it was known as Gil’s Esso Service.
Merle was very involved in a few initiatives in the region during his time, including the Rural Electrification Association (REA). The first power poles in the area were stored on Merle’s farm, and he and other farmers played a major role in getting electricity rolled out in the rural area.
A celebration of Merle’s life will be held at the Legion Hall in Fort Assiniboine on Saturday, September 4th at 2 PM. Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Amanda Lambert of Rose Garden Chapel, in Barrhead, Alberta. Expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting
www.rosegardenchapel.com
In lieu of flowers, donations in Merle’s name may be made to the Fort Assiniboine Legion, or to a charity of your choice. Merle’s family wish to thank the staff of Planeview Place in Leduc, Mrs. Dorothy Kehlert, and Dr. Wadih Azzi.
Arrangements in care of Rose Garden Chapel
LIFE WELL CELEBRATED
