CRAIG – Merlin James died at the Cypress Regional Hospital on December 24, 2011. He was predeceased by Father Orville Craig; mother Bernice Lyon; step-father John Lyon; wife Jean Fairgray (nee Anderson); second wife Beatrice Nelson; brother-in-law Ted Tait, and Beatrice’s daughter, Marilyn. He leaves to mourn step daughters Norma Farnsworth (Roy), Laura Thomson; special friend Dorothy Duthie; sisters Winona Tait, Deanna Lyon (Doug); grandchildren Perry Farnsworth (Kathy), Pam Leifson, Dana Farnsworth (Della), Patrick Thomson (Penny), Kenneth Thomson (Erika), Christopher Thomson (Tania); twelve great grandchildren; Beatrice’s son Arthur (Lillie Jean) and her 5 grandsons and their families; son-in law Don Thomson and sisters in-law Merle Croteau and Marjorie Anderson numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. Merlin was born, April 25, 1927 on the family farm and attended school in Pennant. He farmed in the Pennant district for 47 years and after retirement moved to Swift Current where he currently resided. As a young man he learned his carpentry skills from assisting Charlie Bell. Merlin was an ardent square dancer and round dancer. He met both the women who would later become his wife while square dancing. He married Jean Fairgray (nee Anderson) in July 1963. They had many good years dancing and took some trips with a group of square dancers to Hawaii and Europe to name two. They also wintered in Mesa Arizona for 19 consecutive years enjoying the warm weather and dancing, plus many good friendships. Jean died in 1995. In 2000 he married Beatrice Nelson and they enjoyed dancing, playing cards and special times with family and friends until her death in 2006. He was a charter member of the Pennant Lions Club, an associate member of Royal Canadian Legion #56 and a United Church member. He enjoyed bowling and was a regular at the gym for a work out. One of the highlights of his summer was his annual trek to Cabin Fever for a fishing trip with the guys. He spent many happy hours at Clearwater Lake in summer as well. Merlin walked softly on the earth. He loved time spent with family and friends. He was generous and wise; a loving husband, step-father, brother, grandfather, uncle, in-law and friend. He will be missed. His life was a blessing to many. A memorial service was held on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. from First United Church with Reverend Pamela Thomas officiating. The organist was Patti McCleary and the ushers were: Shaun Sorenson, David Dowdeswell, Hugh Williams and Doug Graham. The interment will take place at the Pennant Cemetery at a later date. Donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice in memory of Merlin. For further information or to sign the family book of condolences, visit our website at www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home.