Passed away peacefully, at his home in Ilderton, on Sunday, June 12, 2016, in his 89th year. Dwight was married to his beautiful wife Elaine (Pinkerton) Merkley for 62 years. He is survived by their 3 children, Craig (Jan Searle), Lauren (Raymond Cook), and David; along with 6 grandchildren: Krista, Olivia, Kevin, Gray, Peter, and Alex. Born in Smith Falls, Ontario, he was the youngest of 5 children of Pearl and Harry Merkley.
Dwight was employed with the London Board of Education, where he served as an elementary school teacher and principal. Dwight loved music and dancing. He was a star track and field athlete in his younger years, and enjoyed curling in his retirement. He especially enjoyed playing cards with neighbours and friends.
The family will hold a celebration of his life at Vanneck United Church, 22651 Vanneck Road, Ilderton on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 2 PM. They wish to thank long-time friends, neighbours, and their church community. Dwight’s ashes will be committed near the family cottage on Georgian Bay, where he spent many summers enjoying family and friends.
Donations to the Vanneck United Church or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Gooderham Family
To Elaine and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Dwight’s passing. He was such a wonderful guy whose love for Georgian Bay was contagious. He was always so upbeat with a positive outlook on life. An inspiration to all. If there is anything we can do to help up north please let us know.
With our deepest condolences,
The Gooderham Family (Michael, Susie, Carolyn, Fraser & Claire)
Gord and Joan Taylor
Elaine and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Dwight’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you travel through the coming days.
Karen & Bill Mackie
Craig, Jan and Family,
We are thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Your family memories of your father/grandfather will become your strength, tomorrow.
With sympathy,
Karen & Bill Mackie
Paul & Jocelyn
Lauren, Ray, Krista Kevin and Alex
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father and grandfather.
Our deepest sympathies.
Paul & Jocelyn
Dora Donkervoort and family
Dear Elaine and Family
We are so sorry to hear of Dwight’s passing. He was a very nice person to know and work with many years ago. He spoke of you and your children often.
Our thoughts are with you.
Dora Donkervoort and family
Barbara Williamson
.I was so sorry to learn of Dwight’s death .I am unable to be at his funeral as I have a medical appointment at the same time, which I must keep. Dwight was a wonderful principal to work for , always smiling. You will miss his cheery laugh.
Don and Pat Draper
I extend my condolences to Elaine and family. My thoughts below have been expressed in a sympathy card sent today but I feel a need to write them in this forum.
I have very fond memories of my years at Fairmont School working with Dwight. Very pleasurable were the recreational times we spent together – playing tennis, curling and fishing during a visit to the Merkley cottage. I will treasure forever these thoughts of things we shared.
Unfortunately I will miss the Celebration of Dwight’s life as both Pat and I have an appointment at the Cancer Program. My thoughts will be with you.
Heather Bice
Dear Elaine, Lauren, Ray and family
Our sincere condolences with the passing of Dwight (Dad). He was such a positive caring person who always had a smile on his face whenever you met him. Dad enjoyed singing in the choir with him and especially when the “Grandpa’s” did their special songs. Dwight was a true gentleman and will be missed in our community. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
Burt and Heather Bice
Robert and Carole Anderson
Elaine and family:
We are very sorry to learn of Dwight’s passing.
Our memories include Dwight as our vice-principal at Knollwood, fishing for bass and enjoying meals of them at your cottage and bridge games together. It’s too bad that we didn’t get in some bridge when we lived in Ilderton.
What a fine gentleman and respected professional he was!
In sympathy,
Bob and Carole Anderson
Doug Hocking & Kate Monk
Dear Craig and Jan and families: Our sincere condolences to you. Hold on to the good memories and take good care of each other. Doug & Kate
Amy Cook
Lauren, Ray and Family –
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Thinking of you,
Steve, Amy, Maddie and Grace
Ruth Cook
Elaine and family –
So sorry to hear of your recent loss – please accept my sincere condolences…
I am sorry I will be unable to attend the Celebration of Dwight’s Life on Thursday,
Ruth Cook and family
Rod & Pam
Elaine & family,
Dwight was defiantly one of the good guys. We’ll miss the boats friendly honk hello whenever you passed by our island. Our thoughts are with you.
Rod & Pam
Mary Johnston
Elaine and family
Our condolences to you on Dwights passing. We will miss his backyard neighbourly chats.
George and Mary Johnston
The Wilkers
Our thoughts are with your family. Dwight’s presence on the channel between Dillon and Windrock will be greatly missed by our family. Such nice memories too!
Ro-chelle Island
Rod Wilker & Pam Tunks, Terry & Michelle (Wilker) Kay
Jennifer Heim
Our deepest condolences to Olivia & her family,
From what this says, your grandfather obviously enjoyed life and was surrounded by love which is all anyone can hope for. Celebrate the long life he led and the happiness and joy he shared with others.
Our thoughts are with you,
your Fairmont family
Julie Russell
Dear Elaine, Lauren, Craig and David and all the grand children.
Praying for you and sending my love to you.
I have many fond memories of
Dwight (Dad). I loved fishing, sailing and singing You are My Sunshine with him at the cottage. He sure could harmonize. He was so full of life and love.
Karen McDonald and Family
Mrs. Merkley, Lauren, Craig, David and families. So sorry for your loss. He was a kind , gentle man. I remember him fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kelly Francis
Lauren, Ray and family, So sorry to hear of your dads passing, thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May the many family memories you have shared bring you peace.
Dan & Barb Prohaszka
We have wonderful memories of Dwight & Elaine having fun at the curling club. Such great people. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Scott and Jenny Dietrich
Lauren, Ray, Krista, Kevin and Alex,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad and Grandpa. Scott and I are thinking about you. Keep the memories close.
Hugs,
-Jenny & Scott
Dan & Deb Brintnell
Lauren and Ray. So very sorry for the loss of your Dad.
Don and Heather Benner
Dear Ray , Lauren and family…Sincere sympathy on the loss of a wonderful Father / Grandfather….Thinking of you as you face the challenging days ahead…Hugs…Love The Benner Family…
Tracy Harrison
Lauren, Ray and family…my thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.
Cherish your memories and embrace the moments of laughter!!
Kindly
Tracy Harrison
Susan Cook
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful man who always had a smile on his face. You will have many wonderful memories ! Hugs to all.