1997: Deaths - Me

MEADOWS - Stephen J.C. Meadows was killed in a fall on Cascade Mountain on Friday, June 13. He is survived by his parents, Peter and Susan Meadows, his brother and sister, David and Jennifer, and his grandfather, Percy Holland, all of Cranfield, Bedfordshire, England. Stephen's colleagues and teachers at the University of Calgary remember him as a talented philosopher. He had a youthful exuberance and impatience. He was likable and very much a part of our lives. He was determined to win at everything including darts, NTN trivia, and crosswords. Stephen loved the mountains. He was pursuing his summertime goal of climbing two peaks each week when he fell. He will be missed very much by his family in England and by his friends. A memorial celebration of Stephen's life will be held on Thursday, July 3, at 3 PM in the Nickle Arts Musuem. All who knew Stephen are invited to attend. He will be buried in England. In lieu of flowers, Stephen's family requests that donations be made in Stephen's memory either to Stars Air Rescue, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, T2E 8M7, or to the Stephen Meadows Memorial Fund, Department of Philosophy, University of Calgary, Calgary, T2N 1N4, which will arrange for a memorial to Stephen in the mountains (6/28/97).

MEETSMA - With grace, faith and dignity, Henry Meetsma, beloved husband of Grace, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, October 1, 1997 at the age of 80 years. Formerly from Barrhead and Neerlandia, Alberta, he passed away peacefully with loved ones at his side at the Rosedale Hospice, Calgary, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born January 13, 1917, in Zandbulten, Friesland, and married Grace Runia on June 21, 1944. He enjoyed a successful forty-nine year career as a Mechanic. Henry and Grace immigrated to Canada in 1953 with three children and settled in Barrhead, Alberta, where two sons were added to the family. From 1965 to the present they resided in Calgary, except for a seven year period when he owned and operated Meetsma Motors in Neerlandia, Alberta. Active by faith and in deed, he helped build and served on council in the Christian Reformed Church. Henry will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of fifty-three years, Grace; their children and spouses, Gerald (Elizabeth) of Edmonton, Arnold (Emmy) of Calgary, Patricia (Jerry) VanderWal of Victoria, Henry (Margaret) of Morinville, and Richard of Calgary. He is also survived by his twelve grandchildren, Marilyn (Al), Michael (Brenda), Bryan (Emily), Jason, Sharlene (David), Arend, Matthew, Christopher, Stephen, Angela, DJ and Petra; and two great-grandchildren, David and Chantel. Also survived by two sisters, Marie and Janna in The Netherlands; and two brothers, Fritz and Siep in Germany. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Hospice (Rosedale), 920 - 7A Street N.W., T2M 3J3. Interment will take place at Queen's Park Cemetery, 4 Street and 31 Avenue N.W., at 10:00 a.m. today, October 3, 1997 followed by a Memorial Service at First Christian Reformed Church, 3600 - 15A Street S.W., at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor M. Reitsma officiating. In living memory of Henry Meetsma, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, "Park Memorial Chapel", 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., CALGARY. Telephone: 403-243-8200 (10/3/97).

MELOFF - Dr. William Meloff. Bill Meloff passed away peacefully on June 17, 1997 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 57 years old. Bill was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on April 3, 1940. He is survived by his three children, Lauren (Geoff) Sky of Edmonton, Dr. Rob Meloff of Calgary, and Liann Meloff of Penticton; his grandson Michael Sky; and his former wife and lifelong friend, Rivvy Meloff. He was predeceased by his parents, Milton and Sadie Meloff. Bill spent the last thirty years teaching Sociology at the University of Alberta where he was always one of the students' favorite lecturers. This was due to both his dynamic style of teaching and to his commitment to the students. His lifelong devotion to educating youths was also expressed through his years of work with Camp B'nai B'rith and B.B.Y.O. Bill was also involved with Canadian Rodeo groups as he spent several years announcing the Canadian Finals Rodeo and recently worked with the Canadian Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. Bill was always willing to devote many hours to local Jewish organizations and Civic groups. Bill was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp B'nai B'rith, 7200 - 156 Street, Edmonton, AB T5R 1X3. Memorial Services will be held at the Edmonton Chevra Kadisha Chapel, which is located at 12313 - 105 Avenue, on Thursday, June 19 at 2:00 p.m. Please join us following the Service at Apt. No. 704, 9921 - 104 Street, Edmonton (6/19/97).

MERKEL - Mr. Conrad (Conn) Andrew Merkel passed away at the Peter Lougheed Hospital on October 29, 1997, at the age of 64 years. He was born February 15, 1933 at the Calgary General Hospital. Conn was a welder for years, before driving truck for M.E. Singer Trucking in Calgary. He will be deeply missed by two brothers and sisters-in-law, Art and Connie of Gleichen, Ed and Carol of Ponoka; and a sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie and Chad Riediger of Brooks, Alberta. Conn will also be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews, as he was a favoured uncle. He was predeceased by his mother Bertilla Newall, his father Ned Merkel, and his brother Fred. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY'S "Park Memorial Chapel", (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.), on Monday, November 3, 1997 at 10:30 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, Second Floor, 215 - 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, Alberta T2G 1A2. In living memory of Conn Merkel, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, "Park Memorial Chapel", 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., CALGARY. Telephone: 403-243-8200 (11/1/97).

MERKLEY - Jean Merkley of Sidney, B.C., passed away at Arranglen Lodge at Qualicum Beach on June 18, 1997 at the age of 83 years. Jean is survived by her children, Belva (Gordon) Gauley, Ray (Bernice) Merkley, Betty (Dave) Stanway; stepchildren, Tom (Dot) Merkley, Ken (Barb) Merkley, Shirley Vandeveld, Joyce Ostranski, June Mortimore, and Fred (Barb) Merkley; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister May Dominic and sister-in-law Dorothy Downes. She was predeceased by her husband Roy Merkley in 1975, her brothers, Harold Downes in 1988 and Ernie Downes in 1997. She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her as a warm and generous person. Thanks to all her caregivers, especially to those at Arranglen Lodge in Qualicum Beach. Family and friends are welcome for a time of fellowship at a Memorial Reception, Saturday, July 12, 1997 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Youth Hall, St. Paul's United Church, 2410 Malaview Avenue, Sidney, B.C. With many thanks, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation (7/5/97).

MERKLEY - Lawrence (Laurie) Edwin Merkley. My beloved Laurie departed us at home on June 4, 1997, following a brief, courageous struggle with cancer. He will be forever loved and remembered by his wife Hazel of almost thirty-seven years. He is also survived by brothers, Arnold, Ian, Donald; and sister Lorene Draper, all of Calgary; and a very dear and special sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Gordon Watson of Gravenhurst, Ontario; and by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. Laurie was born and raised in Calgary to the late Harold and Ruth Merkley, on March 24, 1934. He spent thirty-five years at A.G.T., early retiring December 31, 1987, then taking up ranching on his grandfather's homestead of 1904, located on Bearspaw Road. He possessed a great love for animals, especially their precious dachshunds. He found great pleasure pursuing many of his hobbies over the years, waterskiing , downhill skiing, golfing, and traveling in a loving partnership with his wife Hazel. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Laurie was a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, a member of the Appeal Board for the MD of Rockyview for five years, former member of the Elks and Lions Clubs of Bearspaw. Many thanks to Dr. C. Le Blanc, and to the physicians and Unit 72 nursing staff at the Rockyview Hospital during his stays, for their loving care and support, and to the Cochrane Home Care Support Group and a special thanks to Neil of Cochrane, also Shannon, Faith, and Larry. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Humane Society (S.P.C.A.), 1323 - 36 Avenue N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 6T6 or to the charity of their choice. Floral tributes are graciously declined. Funeral Services will be held on June 7, 1997 at 3:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's United Church in Cochrane (128 - 1 Street East) with the Rev. D. Koots officiating. Private Interment to follow with immediate family members only, at their request. In living memory of Laurie Merkley, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES. Telephone: 403-241-0044 (6/6/97).