Obituary of Don Merritt

December 25, 1937 – Sarnia, Ontario

May 23, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Donald Merritt beloved husband of Yvonne Merritt of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, May 23, 2022, at the age of 84 years.

Don was born in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada on Dec. 25, 1937, to his parents Lyla and Charles Merritt. Don graduated from the Sarnia Collegiate Institute & Technological School in 1956 and went on to work in procurement within the Oil and Gas industry until his retirement in 2008. 

Don volunteered his time as a Cub Scout leader in Sarnia, Ontario. He also served as the president of the Sarnia Purchasing Association before his move to Calgary in 1969.  After moving to Calgary, Don joined the Legion #285, and embodied the spirit of a true Calgarian.  He loved the Calgary Stampede and was a proud fan of both the Calgary Flames and Calgary Stampeders. 

Don loved travelling, he was an avid dart player, and enjoyed time spent camping at Westward Ho with his family. He had a passion for history, and quite often told us that if he could do it all over again, he would have liked to have been a Historian.  

Don accomplished much through his life and was particularly proud of knowing that his children, and grandchildren had graduated from high school and grown into successful, and productive members of society, with families of their own.

He will be most remembered for his easy-going nature, sense of humour and a bright smile.

“Sadly, missed along life’s way, quietly remembered every day…

No longer in our life to share, but in our hearts, you’re always there.”

Author unknown

Besides his loving wife, Don is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kimberley and Doug Powell, of Leduc County, AB; his two stepsons, and daughter-in-law, Joe and Jan Stenhouse of Red Deer, AB, and Kerry Stenhouse of Calgary, AB; his eight grandchildren, Jordan and Cameron Powell, of Leduc County, AB, Tina and Matt Graham, Abby and Jeff Novlesky, of Okotoks, AB, Lori and Michael Dahms, Christine, Michelle, and Mike of Red Deer, AB; his eight great-grandchildren, Olivia, Hudson, Chase, and Berkley, of Okotoks, AB, Kellan, Carson, Devin and Mason, of Red Deer, AB.

Don is also survived by his nieces, Carol DeBoer, and Kristine (Mark) Pintus, of Sarnia, ON, and many friends.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Lyla, and Charles H. Merritt; his brother and sister-in-law, Charles E. and Marge Merritt; his stepdaughter Sandy VanSomeren, and two stepsons, Donny and David Stenhouse.

The family would like to thank all of Don’s friends, family and colleagues who have stayed in touch over the years, this always meant a lot to Don.  The family would also like to express their gratitude, for the compassionate care provided by the staff of unit 78, at South Health Campus during Don’s stay there.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date with family.  Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Donald Merritt, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.