Obituary of Richard Farley Mercer

October 8, 1935 – Akron, Ohio

July 7, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Richard Farley Mercer went to be with his Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, July 7, 2024. His life was centred on his faith in Christ, and he dedicated each day to being an example of what it means to be a Christian.

Richard was born on October 8, 1935, in Akron, Ohio. He and his brother Steve were raised by their parents, Walter and Mildred, who moved occasionally for Walter’s work as an engineer. Richard married his high school sweetheart, Louellen, in Baltimore before the two began their great adventure together, heading west as Richard began a career in the petroleum industry. After several years of living in many areas of the western United States, they settled in Calgary, where they raised their three children, Shawna, David, and Beth.

In Calgary, Richard helped grow Continental Laboratories from a small, two-person operation to a well-recognized and respected logging service company. He also helped establish Glenmore Reformed Presbyterian Church, dedicating countless hours to sharing his love and dedication to the Lord. When not at work or in church, he enjoyed exploring Alberta in pursuit of his passion for fishing and hunting. He and several of his associates from the oil industry purchased Skitchine Lodge in the early ‘80s, which extended his love of fly fishing into BC. A lifelong music fan, Richard also became a major supporter of classical music in Calgary, as well as in Canada, through the Canadian Music Centre, which honoured him with a lifetime achievement award.

After Louellen’s passing in 1999, Richard married Jessie McColley. He liked to say that on that day, his family grew from three children to nine, as he became a father to Jessie’s family. Jessie and Richard remained in Calgary as caring parents to their children, who live around the globe.

Richard will be greatly missed by his loving wife Jessie, children, Shawna (Scott), David, Beth (Gord), Dawn (Paul), Scott (Pon), Robin (John), Alex, Sean, and Jeanine; and grandchildren, Ross, Ty, Kovey, Ashleigh, William, Philip, Haylee, Cessalie, Bradley, Neu, Annie, Dean, and Levi.

A Celebration of Richard’s Life will be held at Woodgreen Presbyterian Church (12777 Candle Crescent SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, July 15, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the Church.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the William D. McColley Memorial Church Building Fund, email: finance@woodgreenpca.org, or to the Canadian Music Centre, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Telephone: (403) 220-7403, www.pr.cmccanada.org.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Richard’s family here.

In living memory of Richard Mercer, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.