Obituary of Merril Stavne

Surrounded by his loving family, Merril Keith Stavne passed away on February 28, 2009 after a courageous, yearlong battle with leukemia. Merril was born July 1, 1948 in Camrose to May and Vernon Stavne and lived his life on the farm north of town. He was a teacher, farmer, musician, friend, and much loved son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother. Predeceased by his parents, his sister Lorraine (Wight), Merril leaves behind his best friend and wife of 39 years, Joan (nee Bjorge); son Aaron, his fiancée Cherie and their children Kyle and Kate; son Robb, his wife Laurie and their children Arik and Kris; numerous brothers and sisters in law; one niece and several nephews; as well as many close friends. Our family is extremely grateful for the outstanding care received from all of the staff on unit 5F4 at the University of Alberta hospital, particularly Dr's Marlene Hamilton and Monica Modi. Thanks also to Home Care and St. Mary's Hospital Emergency room. We also appreciate the support and care from friends, neighbors and church - you are truly a community in every sense of the word. We will remember Merril as being a caring, loving person with a genuine love for all living things. He loved to go golfing with his friends, fishing and frog hunting with his grandchildren, and to take long bike rides around the farm with Joan. Merril also enjoyed sitting at his kitchen window watching the birds at the feeder and we have a plethora of pictures to prove it! Merril always treated everyone with kindness and respect. He was always there to encourage, protect and support his family and was deeply proud of his sons and their many accomplishments. Merril will always be admired and loved by all who knew him. We miss you and love you Merril, with all of our hearts. Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 2:30pm from Messiah Lutheran Church in Camrose with Rev. Jim Appleby officiating. Interment took place prior to the service in the Bethlehem Cemetery. If friends so desire memorial contributions may be made to the University of Alberta Hospital, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, or charity of your choice.