It is with broken hearts that we announce Gerald “Gerry” William Alfred Merkley, age 60 years, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 31, 2022.
Gerry was born in Port Arthur on April 22, 1961 to Phyllis (Mina, nee Heyder) and William Merkley. He grew up on Government Road, attending Five Mile and Gron Morgan schools. In high school, he met the love of his life Diane and they were married in 1979 and together they raised their children, Kristina and Kristopher. He loved his family and spending time with them. He had fond memories of taking his kids on the annual moose hunt with his dad, or hunting partridge in the yard. Later, time with his grandchildren was his favourite pastime. Trips to Walmart (County Fair) and Giant Tiger with Tavious where they met old friends and made new ones.
Gerry was a hard working family man. He started working at age 14 as a Long Shoreman and continued into his early adulthood. He began working for Prezio Electric as a backhoe operator and member of IBEW 402 and was proud to have been there for the past 25 years.
If you knew Gerry, you knew that he always wore a hat and you could count on him. Need help with a project, snow plowed, grass cut or anything else he was a phone call away and would give you the shirt off his back. He had a great sense of humour and there was no “shortage” of jokes about his height or lack of hair.
Gerry will be sadly missed by his loving wife of over 40 years, Diane; beloved children Kristina (Jesse Rogalski) and Kristopher; cherished grandchildren Tavious, Mia and Abigail; his mother, Phyllis and sister Darlene (Wayne) Muloin as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his father, William; brother David and Gramma and Grampa Heyder and Gramma and Grandpa Merkley.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
