It is with great sadness that the family of Merfyn Jones announces his sudden passing, at the age of 74, on Wednesday May 4, 2016 at his home in Madeira Park as a result of cardiac arrest.
Merfyn was born December 9, 1941, son of John David and Megan (Hughes) Jones in Cynwyd, Wales. Merfyn leaves his beloved wife of 50 years Jacqueline Jones, his children Heidi (Anton), Julie Nia (Dan), Russell (Tess), John, his grandchildren Rhys, Rhian, Tianna, Vincent, Colton, Courtnie, Jessey, Isabella, Cooper, his great grandchildren Emilie, Jaylene, his sisters, Enerys (Tengmeng), Gwenan (Tommy), Meriel (Roger), and his brother Geraint (Nan). He is also survived by loving nieces, nephews and a host of longtime friends.
In his early years he worked a team of Clydesdale horses in the logging industry in Wales. He had his first motorcycle at the age of 16 and had a passion for British motorcycles ever since. Merfyn apprenticed for Balfour Beatty as a lineman, and met Jackie in 1960. In 1965 Merv and Jackie were married in Shrewsbury, England and in 1968 emigrated to Canada with three children.
With a new baby in Canada, Merv continued his lineman apprenticeship with BC Hydro and settled at the Vanderhoof Hydro branch where he worked for over 20 years. He transferred to the Sechelt Hydro and retired from BC Hydro at the age of 60. Still young and full of energy he spent another five years working for Midway Power on the Sunshine Coast.
During the past 10 years of retirement Merfyn would spend the summers in Madeira Park where he was always helping drive the delivery trucks for his son Russell's building supply stores. Winters he would enjoy golfing and the active social network of friends in Palm Springs, California.
Merfyn enjoyed darts, golfing, motorcycles, Welsh music, and was a long time Legion member both in Vanderhoof and Madeira Park.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 11, 2016 at the Madeira Park Legion (1pm-2pm celebration, 2pm-3pm refreshments and light snacks).