The Merkley Family
I’m saddened for Bill’s Family. He always had a smile and willing to have a chat. You will all miss Bill. Treasure your fond memories.
So very sorry Chelsey ️
Barb Burrows
MERKLEY, William "Bill"
2023
After a long battle with COPD, William Merkley passed away peacefully on May 13, 2023 with family by his side. He was 90.
William was born in Orillia on October 3, 1932. A son to William and Sarah Merkley (nee Butson).
He married the love of his life, Marian (nee Davis), on November 26, 1954 in Orillia. Together they lived an adventurous life and raised four children. They were happily married for 56 years, until Marian's death in 2010. He missed her terribly.
In his lifetime, William worked at a stone quarry, the Pepsi plant in Orillia, and drove for Strathdee Transport for 22 years before moving to Englehart in 1975. He is well remembered in the community from the time he and Marian operated Merkley's Service Station. He then worked for the ONR until he retired. After his retirement, William enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Florida with Marian.
He loved to work with his hands; whether it was building a home, woodworking, or doing puzzles. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and listening to music. He was a collector, and a vintage car enthusiast.
William will be remembered for his friendly, outgoing nature, his generosity and willingness to help, his quick wit and sense of humour. Known affectionately as 'Windy' to some, he loved to talk and was always up for a good debate. He was a devoted husband, and a loving father and grandfather.
Mr. Merkley is survived by three of his children: Richard (Catherine) Merkley, Susan (Bill) Toye, and Nancy (Mario) Maille. He will be missed by 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. He is also remembered by his sister Gayle, his nieces and nephews, and many other family members and friends.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Marian, his son Steven, his parents William and Sarah, and his siblings Gord, Ross, Wesley (in infancy), Lloyd, Shirley, and Harvey.
William's family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, psw's, kitchen and cleaning staff, and everyone else at the Englehart hospital for their care and kindness.
The family will welcome friends and family at Timiskaming Funeral Cooperative- McDonald Chapel in Englehart, on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 10 - 11 am Funeral service will follow at 11 am Burial will be at the Charlton Cemetery next to Marian.
~together again, eternally~
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