Roger Merrick

~Keshaba   Binese~

“Circling Thunderbird”

We share the devastating loss of our husband, our brother, our father, our uncle, our great uncle, our great-great uncle and grandfather, Roger Merrick who left on his journey to the Spirit World on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at the HSC in Winnipeg, MB at the age of 68 years.

Roger was the third child of 12, born in Portage la Prairie, MB on October 18, 1952. He attended Long Plain School, went to town school at Prince Charles and graduated from Portage Collegiate Institute. Throughout high school, he worked with our father Alvin on the Canadian National Railway extra gang during the summers.  He also worked with our mother Edna on Connery Farms. He was proud to have worked with both our parents. After graduation, he worked full time with CN and was stationed at Katrime, St. Lazare, and Winnipeg. He started as a labourer and worked his way up to a line operator. He married Violet Benn and returned to Long Plain in 1980 with their new son Roger Jr., followed by Terry and raised William and Fred as his own. After returning home he became a carpenter. He was gifted with the touch of dry walling, which became his signature trademark.

His nickname was “Lala Gee”, given to him by our uncle Wallace Cameron, as Roger was always a happy boy. Roger was known as an amazing storyteller. He befriended anyone he came in contact with. He got along with everybody, and he was a good guy. He was proud of his home and kept it immaculate, unlike his sister(s). He enjoyed having visitors in his home, and liked teasing and joking around with everyone.

Roger loved jogging. Everyone has a memory of him running down Highway 305. Roger was proud to carry the Olympic Torch through Long Plain during the 2010 Winter Olympics. It was -38* that day he ran as a Torch Bearer at the age of 58.

Left to mourn Roger’s passing are his wife Violet, sons Delmer and Terry, stepsons William Benn (Vanessa) and Fredrick Acoby (Sharon), granddaughter Creedence Smoke, sisters Liz, Rosalind (Orville), Hazel (Jim) and Freida (Al) and brother Warren (Arlene) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and extended family members.

Roger was predeceased by his son Roger Jr., granddaughter Paige Merrick, parents Alvin and Edna (nee Houle) Merrick, sisters Sandra and Andrea and brothers Doug, Gerald, Reginald and Terry.

For those unable to attend the Wake and Funeral, you are welcome to attend viewing at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Monday, November 9, 2020. Wake will take place at Long Plain Spirit Lodge beginning at 5:00 pm on Monday, November 9, 2020. Feast and Service will be held at Long Plain Spirit Lodge on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at noon. Burial will follow at Merrick Cemetery.

Coivid-19 restrictions will be in place.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com