Ellis "Lloyd" Merkley
Lloyd Merkley passed away peacefully at Bayfield Manor in Kemptville on Dec. 31, 2005. He was 92.
Lloyd was born in Winchester on Feb. 1, 1913 to George and Mary (nee Bogart) Merkley. Lloyd had two sisters Eileen and Lenora. At the age of 28, Lloyd married Leila Casselman and together they raised three children. Lloyd and Leila farmed together on River Road until they moved to Fred Street in Winchester in 1984. Lloyd remained in Winchester until three years ago when he moved to Bayfield Manor.
Lloyd is the beloved husband of the late Leila, and the cherished father of Barbara Ann (Morris Dewe) of Cornwall, Carol (Bill Coulthart) of Nepean, and Doug (Eleanor) of Greely. He was the adored grandfather of Tracy (Dave), Stephanie, Angela (Martin), Steve (Sherry), Ron (Melanie), Heather (Steve), and Janice. He was the dear great-grandfather of Michael, Avery, Caleb, and Charlotte. He was the loving brother and dear friend of Eileen and brother-in-law of Basil Casselman of Winchester Springs and Lois Casselman of Elma. Lloyd was predeceased by his sister, Lenora Holmes.
Friends were received at the Winchester Funeral Home on Jan. 3, 2006. The funeral service was held at the Winchester United Church on Jan. 4. Rev. Bob Williams officiated and offered a heartfelt tribute to Lloyd. The funeral service was a beautiful reflection of Lloyd's life and included special music played by Jennifer Buhr and Tammy McRae, and also Wayne Mosley, who sang "I Can Only Imagine." Pastor Steve West (husband of Heather) read the 23rd Psalm on behalf of Carol. The Psalm had comforted Lloyd greatly and was an important part of the service. Doug Merkley gave a eulogy fitting of a father who was kind, gracious, generous and loving. Burial followed at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Chesterville.
The pallbearers were Ron Merkley, Steve Coulthart, Jamie Pollock, Philip Pollock, George Holmes, and Dale Whittaker. Honorary pallbearers were Glen Vasey, Gerritt Oosterbaan, Lyle Munro, and Morris Korevaar. The reception which followed was hosted by the Winchester UCW and was enjoyed by all.
Donations in memory of Lloyd may be made to the Bayfield Manor.