On Tuesday, April 2, 2013, Mervyn Roy Ellingson passed away peacefully with his family at his side, released from cancer on his own terms after a lengthy and courageous fight. Merv was born on August 25, 1936, on a farm near Central Butte, SK. After completing high school, he moved to Moose Jaw, where he found the love of his life, marrying Irene Rackel in 1958, and his vocational calling, becoming a police officer in 1966. Merv’s commitment to fairness – his belief that the spirit of the law is as important as the letter of the law – earned him high regard throughout his career. Merv had attained the rank of Inspector when mandated retirement brought policing to an end after 31 years. Merv never accepted retirement and pursued a successful career as a real estate agent for the next 15 years. Merv will be remembered lovingly by his sons, Rick (Michelle) and Ryan (Patsy); grandchildren Alexandra, Matthew and Sidney; step-grandchildren Laura and Mike Kobayashi; his sister Mildred Watkinson, and his partner Gladys Gray. Merv was predeceased by Irene, his wife of 43 years; his parents, Roy and Christine Ellingson, and brothers-in-law, Robert Watkinson and Jack Rackel. A Celebration of Merv’s life will be held at the Alliance Church, corner of 9th Ave. NW and Thatcher Drive, Moose Jaw, on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 1:30 pm. Della Ferguson will officiate. Interment will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. Memorials for the Moose Jaw Humane Society, Box 1658, Moose Jaw, S6H 7K7, would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. In living memory of Merv, a memorial planting will be made by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register book at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).
Gerry Mitchell, Funeral Director