Obituary of Mervin Alec Lathlin

June 22, 1968 - The Pas, Manitoba

July 13, 2022 - Morley, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dearly beloved Mervin Lathlin on July 13th, 2022 at the age of 54. Mervin succumbed to the renal failure that deeply impacted his quality of life but did not define how he lived. Despite his illness Mervin had a kind and generous heart, celebrating many joys, the most precious of which was his family.

Mervin grew up and spent much of his life in The Pas Manitoba, and Opaskwayak Cree Nation. He received his Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Regina and was educated in Indigenous Studies as well. He put his education to work in the human services field and enjoyed his career helping others.

A gifted mentor, and a natural leader, many people in Mervin’s family and the various communities he was part of looked up to him. He was often sought out for advice on life, social issues, and especially sports.

Sports were Mervin’s passion. He had a special talent for pool, and was an active member of leagues in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. He traveled for tournaments often and won many awards and championships. He also played minor league hockey, and soccer in Europe. He deeply enjoyed the pleasure of watching a good game, particularly baseball, hockey, soccer, and football. Sports brought Mervin many friends who he cherished and respected.

Mervin was also a leader in his family. He was an excellent cook and loved nothing more than to host a holiday meal among loved ones. Generous of spirit, he had a way of welcoming new family to his table with grace, humor, and care. He doted on his children Armey, CJ, Miranda, Soloman, Jared and Samuel, and his grandchildren, Adam, Kaz, Adrian, and Genesis. Mervin will be especially missed by his devoted wife Brenda, who he loved deeply and sincerely.

Mervin is survived by his immediate family, his mother-in-law Helen Chiniquay, siblings Ed, Mary, Coraline, Mayble, and Joanne, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins’ relatives and friends. Throughout his illness, Mervin was cared for by many health professionals throughout the Bow Valley, the family is grateful for their care and support. We wish to thank Dr Mark Hawkins of the Canmore medical association, Dr Chima of the Foothills Nephrology department and the Cardiology unit at Foothills medical centre, Stoney health services and the Nakoda EMS.

Wake Services will be held at the residence of Helen Chiniquay (Morley, AB) on Wednesday, July 20, 2022.  Funeral Services will be held at Morley United Church (Morley, AB) on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. Mervin will be laid to rest on July 25th, 2022, at Opaskwayak Cree nation, in The Pas Manitoba. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Mervin Lathlin, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Click Here to View Mervin Lathlin's Memorial Card