MERVIN DOUGLAS HYATT

It is with great sadness that the family of Mervin Douglas Hyatt announces his passing on Friday, Feb. 15, 2013 after a brief battle with cancer.
He was born May 21, 1947 in Dryden, Ont. to Ann and Jack Hyatt. The family moved to Emo, Ont. when he was still very young.
He met “his girl,” Gayle, when they were young teenagers, and they were married May 25, 1968. Shortly afterward, they moved to Ear Falls, Ont., where Mervin worked for Bruce Lake Mines for about a year, then to Nanaimo, B.C., where he was employed at the Harmac Mill for seven years.
But the Rainy River mud on his boots kept calling him home, so they returned in 1975 and he began his 30-year career in the Fort Frances mill. He retired in 2006.
Mervin got his kind, gentle nature and his “good looks” from his wonderful mother, whom he adored and respected. He always had a smile and a hug for everyone he met, and had a way of making you feel that you were special.
He loved to tell jokes, and his laughter was so contagious. He enjoyed life to the fullest and ever since the death of his son, Aaron, in 2010, he was determined to find enjoyment in even the simplest every-day experiences.
He was proud of his native culture, and was a member of the Fort William Band.
Mervin was an active volunteer in community events, and could be found announcing at the Emo stock car races, calling Tuesday night Bingo, helping make lunches at the Emo Legion, and helping judge entries in the Barwick Canada Day parade.
He always was ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed help, especially his neighbours and friends. He also was well-known throughout the district for his years of DJ’ing for Garry Robertson Music at many weddings, dances, special events, and fundraisers.
Mervin loved his Bingo with all his Bingo friends and his crib games with his buddy, Roy.
His favourite place to be was fishing on Lac Seul every chance he got, and he loved to share it with his family and friends, stopping along the way to pick a few blueberries and meeting friends at the landing. What wonderful memories.
He never turned down a cup of coffee or baking, especially his Auntie Josie’s butter tarts.
Mervin leaves behind his best friend, his loving wife, Gayle; son, Patrick (Terra); and grandchildren, Dallas, Cole, Terrell, Garrett, Cameron, Addison, and Paige.
Also left to mourn are his brothers, Dennis (Jan) of Emo, Ont. and David (Linda) of Fort Frances, Ont.; sisters, Beverly (Elliot) Cooper of Owen Sound, Ont. and Gail (Joe) Roussin of Thunder Bay, Ont.; sisters-in-law, Penny (Dennis) Logan of Timmins, Ont., Brenda (Jim) Marr of Fort Frances, Ont., Ruth Kielczewski of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Stacey (Roger) Buck of Edmonton, Alta.; daughter-in-law, Crystal; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Mervin was predeceased by his parents, Anne and Jack Hyatt; infant daughter; Rhonda; son, Aaron; brothers, Calvin Hyatt and Ethan Hollingsworth; sister, Geraldine Mitchell; nephew, Gille Roussin; and his father- and mother-in-law, Francis and Betty Galling.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013 at 1 p.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Emo, with Pastor Carolyn Kreger officiating.
Interment will take place at a later date.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Tamarack House or the Emo Health Centre c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com