Merv was born in Drumheller, Alberta on May 8, 1929.

He was predeceased by his parents Israel and Leah Chertkow.

Survived by his loving wife Jean of sixty years, daughters Soretta Sharples (Geoff), Georgia Toevs (Michael) granddaughter Emma Jean Toevs and son Ron, one sister and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Merv was raised and educated in Saskatoon, graduating from the University of Saskatchewan in 1949 with a B.A. Degree. He entered law school at U.B.C. in 1949 as a member of the R.C.A.F. University Reserve Training Plan and graduated with an L.L.B in 1952.

After completing his obligation to the Air Force, and as a commissioned officer in the Reserve, and trained in military law he was seconded to Germany to replace the unavailable Judge Advocate. He spent four months involved in numerous prosecutions including several District Courts Martials. He returned to Vancouver in 1953 and continued his association with the RCAF Reserve as a Relief Intelligence Officer on the weekends at the Jericho facility in Vancouver.

He subsequently became a member of the G. Roy Long law firm in Vancouver and in 1959 opened a branch office in Kamloops then went on his own in general practice with several partners over the years. Merv practised law for 53 years restricting his practice in 1980 as a full time arbitrator of labour/management disputes when he joined Rudy Morelli to form Morelli Chertkow. Mr. Morelli became a full partner and Merv was an Associate. His arbitration practice was widespread throughout Western Canada and resulted in rendering over 1800 decisions.

Merv's interest in all aspects of film making culminated in his becoming a Governor of the National Film Board of Canada from 1974 to 1984. He was President of the Arbitrators' Association of B.C from 1989 to 1992. Merv was active in both Federal and Provincial politics and was a member of the B.C Liberal party from1969 to 1975 holding several executive positions. He was campaign manager for Senator Len Marchand's successful return to Parliament in 1974. Merv was also a 50 year member of the Kamloops Masonic Lodge #10 and a long time member of the Kamloops Society for Community Living.

Merv will be remembered for his intellect, integrity, gentle nature, empathy, generosity of spirit and kindness towards fellow humans and animals, especially his beloved dogs.

No service by request.

In lieu of flowers donations to the BCSPCA or the Kamloops Hospice Association would be appreciated.

The family wishes to express its gratitude to Dr. Robert Baker of Kamloops and to Merv's cousin, Dr. Karen Gelmon of Vancouver, and to those who provided wonderful palliative care during Merv's illness.