Obituary of Paul Harrison Merkeley

Paul Harrison Merkeley

Paul Harrison Merkeley was born on July 15, 1946, in Winnipeg, MB, to Norman (Norm) and Margaret Ann (Nan) Merkeley. Paul’s grandmother, Grom, served as the nurse at his birth and remained a cherished figure in his life, often spoken of with warmth and fondness. As older brother to Susan and Peter, Paul spent his childhood immersed in hockey, mosquito-infested fishing and hunting trips with his father in northern Manitoba, and with his family at Falcon Lake, as well as, interminable mischief-making with his gang of lifelong friends—Paul’s retellings of these adventures grew increasingly colourful over the years.

From an early age, Paul learned the values of hard work and independence. He attended Western University for a year before selling everything he owned—except the clothes on his back—to return to Winnipeg. During this time, there was also a stint contributing to Canada’s cold war defence by cleaning septic systems on the DEW line in the high arctic. In February 1972 he met Lynne Williams, a University of Manitoba student, and thus began their 52-year relationship.

In 1980, Paul and Lynne moved to Cranbrook, BC. Soon after, they married, purchased a slice of paradise on Jimsmith Lake, and began building their life together. Paul poured his energy into constructing the family home, cultivating a beautiful property on the lake—building family memories, like he had in childhood at Falcon Lake—while raising his three daughters—Hayley, Carley, and Kelsey.

Ever the contrarian, Paul pivoted from an initial career in stock-broking and became a stay-at-home dad to three girls, which was fairly unusual for the time. He provided equal parts tough love and boundless freedom. Guided by his motto, “If it feels good, do it,” he gave his children the space to run wild and encouraged them to try anything and everything at least once. As a hockey dad, he was a permanent fixture on the sidelines, cheering his children on with a fiery passion. At school activity days, he was the parent everyone wanted to see—always armed with his tin of Altoids and a rascally sense of fun. A big kid at heart, Paul’s presence brought excitement wherever he went.

With a heart as generous as his humor was sharp, Paul charmed his way through life, leaving laughter and a touch of eccentricity in his wake. Known for his rubber boots, his well-loved Cowichan sweaters, wool socks, and a knack for sharing a joke or nugget of wisdom, he became a legend of Jimsmith Lake and well known for his neighbourhood plogging. A dedicated and loyal friend, Paul kept in touch with friends from all aspects of his life—calling frequently and sending the latest deals and obscurities he uncovered via email.

A lover of reading, dogs (especially fluffy white ones), pigs, the perfect cup of Yorkshire Gold tea, and his many collections, Paul filled his days with the simple joys of life—though “simple” might not apply to his legendary handmade pyrotechnics and bonfires, often on display at his young daughters’ birthday parties and family gatherings.

Paul had a gift for weaving a tale and an uncanny ability for finding the perfect book to match anyone’s interests. It was his quiet way of showing love, while opening doors to new worlds and ideas that he also loved getting lost in.

With his signature chuckle, smirk, and boundless quirkiness, Paul, brought a rare kind of joy to those around him. Whether he was sharing an offbeat joke, nearly burning his home down attacking wasps with a blowtorch, or simply being his unique self, he left an indelible impact. His unique way of seeing the world will be deeply missed by everyone lucky enough to have known him. His grandchildren Thomas, Ramona, Ophelia and Eryx will miss their Bumpa and the collector coins he always brought them. Poppy, the latest in a lifelong series of fluffy white dogs, will miss her walks with him.

The family is thankful for the care he received in his final years, especially from Dr. Olabode, Dr. Hodgson, Dr. Jaworsky, Dr. Sawatsky, Dr. Wik, Dr. Vaid, Dr. Simons, and Dr. Tiede, as well as, the staff at East Kootenay Regional, St. Paul’s Hospitals, and McPherson Funeral Services.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations to Friends of the Cranbrook Public Library or the BC SPCA in Paul’s honour.

A Prayer Memorial Service and Reception will be held at Christ the Servant Church on February 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM — all are welcome.

A Celebration of Life for close friends, family, and neighbours will take place in July 2025, with details to follow.

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