It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved husband, Mervin Benjamin, of Fort Frances, Ont., on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009 at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital in Thunder Bay, Ont.
Mervin was born April 6, 1927 in Stratton, Ont. to the late Dave and Tilley Benjamin.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 51-and-a-half years, Margaret Mary (nee Jolicouer).
Also surviving are his one sister, Vinie Pollard, and his five brothers, Ralph (Edna), Alvin, Alfred (June), Dean (Olga), and Donnie (Julie); sisters-in-law, June (Matt) Hrychuck, Gladys (Bill) Martin, Eileen Pearson, Shirley (Mike) Zdep, Gladys Jolicouer, and Doreen Jolicouer; brothers-in-law, Allen (Joan) Jolicouer and Armand (Maureen) Jolicouer; and a great many nieces and nephews.
Mervin was predeceased by his sister, Hazel Anderson, and brother, Marion Benjamin; his father- and mother-in-law, Tom and Myrtle Jolicouer; and brothers-in-law, Len Anderson, Tom Jolicouer, Vincent Jolicouer, and Gorden Pearson.
Mervin grew up in North Branch, Ont., where he logged for several years before moving to Nestor Falls, Ont. to guide.
In 1958, Mervin and Margaret were married and settled on Crow Lake to start a life and a minnow business, which they ran for 21 years.
After selling the minnow business, Mervin worked for 15 years for the M.T.O.
Upon retiring, Mervin and Marg enjoyed many years of travelling, camping, fishing, and hunting.
Mervin also loved playing cards with his many friends and family.
In 2003, Merv and Marg moved to Fort Frances, Ont., where they currently resided.
At Mervin’s request, no funeral service will be held.
Cremation has taken place.
A memorial luncheon will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009 from 2-4 p.m. at the Benjamins’ residence at 380 Daniel Ave. in Fort Frances.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Sister Kennedy Centre (401 Nelson St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 1B3) or a charity of your choice.