Mr. Mervyn Ross Anderson

Mr. Mervyn Ross Anderson of High River, Alberta passed away at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary on May 29, 2023, at the age of 83 years. Merv is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donna; daughters Sherry (Craig), Connie (Nick); grandchildren Courtlin, Colin (Julie), Caiden; great granddaughter Cameron, sister Norma Jean (Charlie), sister-in-law Peggy and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents George and Ruth, his brother Lloyd and his sister Donna Marilyn. Merv was born in Calgary, lived briefly in Strathmore, and grew up in Hanna, AB. Merv was a hard worker and loved the variety of jobs he had through out his life. He worked for CN Railroad and was a bit of an entrepreneur, owning his own yellow cab, a small trucking company, an office furniture repair business and even a stint as a bartender so that he could save a little extra and take his family to Disneyland. Merv loved to camp with his family and friends. One of his favourite spots was George Lane Park. Thus began Merv and Donna’s love for High River; eventually leading them to move to an acreage west of town. He started up his hobby farm with some horses for the girls and himself. He grew the hobby farm to raise chickens, pigs and lambs. Merv became known as High River’s original ‘Chickenman’ and Donna ‘Chickadee’. He could often be found fishing at the end of their yard on the banks of the Highwood River. Merv was a volunteer with the High River Ag Society. He and Donna loved to take their RV to various rodeos and chuckwagon races throughout Alberta. Often in tow were his daughters and/or grandchildren. He loved his dogs and was especially happy to see Sassy and Simba visit him at the hospital. “In all honesty”… Merv loved to gamble and especially enjoyed his trips to Vegas. He loved Mexican rum, Hawkins Cheezies, Oh Henry Chocolate Bars, Pepsi, the Calgary Flames, and the Toronto Blue Jays. He also loved to meet people and visit (TALK). His favourite place during retirement was his home with Donna in Palm Springs. There he learned and loved to garden and to bake for their neighbours. These hobbies continued until his passing. Merv often had a nickname for friends that came into his life. He said his most cherished memories were time spent with his family. Merv and Donna never missed an opportunity for a family gathering or attending their grandson’s numerous school and sporting events. He was beyond proud of his grandsons and his new great-granddaughter. If he couldn’t get Cameron’s name straight, he would just call her ‘my baby’. The family would like to thank Dr. Grace Simmons, and all the staff and Physicians on Unit 47 at FMC. A Celebration of Merv’s Life will take place at Sheppard Family Park on Friday, July 7, 2023 from 1:30PM - 5:00 PM. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

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Mr. Mervyn Ross Anderson

July 30, 1939 - May 29, 2023