Obituary of Wesley Merril Wershler

It is with deep sadness we share the news of Merril’s unexpected passing on March 4, 2020 in Strathmore, Alberta at the age of 84. 

Born near McNutt Saskatchewan, Merril was the second of five children. He spent his formative years in rural Saskatchewan before moving to Yorkton where he completed his education.  As a young man he moved with the Wershler family to Calgary and it was there that he met June Price.  They were married in 1957 and had four beautiful children - Ray, Tim, Karen and Blair. Merril spent most of his career working for AGT before moving to Northern Telecom where he enjoyed the last few years of his career supervising projects, first in the US then in Egypt.

Retiring in 1987, Merril returned to Calgary and shortly thereafter reconnected with Francine Hallett, whom he had gone to school with in Yorkton.  Merril and Francine spent the last 30 years together, enjoying travel, books and family, living first in Red Deer, before moving to Strathmore in 1998.  

Merril was a great story teller, loved playing cards and games, could fix anything and built innumerable fences.  He was active in sports, particularly fastball and bowling, and helped coach his kids’ teams. He had a deep love of nature and enjoyed spending time hiking, bird watching and traveling with his family and friends.   

Merril leaves behind his life partner, Francine Hallett; his children Ray (Deb), Tim, Karen and Blair (Paulette) as well as Francine’s children, Leslie, Donna Hallett (John Getz) and Adrienne Gilmore (David).  He dearly loved his Wershler grandchildren – Julie Wershler, Ben Wershler, Angelique Cull (Kirk) and 5-week old great-grandson Asher Cull; as well as Hallett grandchildren - Alex Getz, Kelsey Walker (Krista and children Blake & Charlotte), Jonathon (Ashley and son Logan), Jason, and Steven (Nicole and daughter Olivia).  He will be sorely missed by siblings Naomi, Darcy (Fran), Barry (Joan), Cleve (Laura) and his many nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday June 19, 2020 at the Wheatland Funeral Chapel (202 Lakeside Blvd., Strathmore, AB) at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to make a memorial contribution can do so to one of Merril’s favourite charities – Alberta Wilderness Association (455 12 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Y9 or www.albertawilderness.ca/product/donate/) or Ducks Unlimited (17504 111 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5S 0A2 or www.ducks.ca)