Obituaries

REYNOLDS, Mervin Gordon

REYNOLDS, Mervin Gordon - It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Mervin Gordon Reynolds, on November 11, 2009.

The son of Stan and Myrtle Reynolds, Merv was born June 18, 1944, in North Vancouver. He was a loving brother to Donald, John, Wayne, Keith and Gail.

After graduating at North Vancouver Senior Secondary, Merv pursued a career in education and received a Bachelors degree from Simon Fraser University. Merv enjoyed a full career, up until his retirement, as a teacher, vice principal, and for the majority of his career, a principal. Merv had many passions in life, however, his greatest passion were his pigeons. As a young boy, his father introduced him to pigeon racing and up until his passing, he belonged to numerous pigeon clubs. He enjoyed not only the birds, but the camaraderie between his pigeon buddies. He couldn't contain his excitement when the birds were released.

Merv would say his greatest accomplishment is his family. His greatest love was his late wife Kristine Yvonne Reynolds, who passed away suddenly in 1991. Merv and Kristine shared three beautiful children; Sean, Krista and Tara, and three most precious grandchildren; Lashawnda, Krissy and Kensington.

Merv is survived by his son; Sean (Jennifer), daughters; Krista (Joshua), and Tara (Todd), grandchildren; Lashawnda, Krissy, Kensington, Cody and Taylor, and mother-in-law; Bonnie.

Dad, we will always remember your humour, laughter, smile, devotion and most of all, your love.

A service will be held at Ellison Elementary School in Kelowna, British Columbia, on Saturday, November 21, 2009, at 11 AM in the gymnasium.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Family
Literacy: www2.literacy.bc.ca/family.htm

Condolence Messages

Nov 24, 2009
Crystal and I offer our condolences. I worked with your father at Oyama and at Glenrosa and enjoyed his good humor and leadership.

The memorial service at Ellison Elementary was a wonderful way to recognize a wonderful human being.

With deepest sympathy,

Betty and Crystal Zaseybida and family
Nov 21, 2009
Mr. Reynolds, as we knew him in our home, was by far one of the best school administrators that I have met in my lifetime. He took time to know the children in 'his school' and he never lost his sense of joy when it came to enjoying their spirit.

My sincere sympathy -

Cathy Sarino, Kelowna B.C.
Nov 20, 2009
We were saddened to hear of Merv's passing. He often stopped and talked to us on our Mail Road orchard during his daily walks. He was a wonderful caring man and talked fondly of his children and grandchildren.

Our deepest condolences to his family on the loss of a great man.

Sam & Patti DiMaria
Nov 19, 2009
Our family had the privilege of meeting and creating a friendship with Merv during his entire time as principle at Ellison Elementary. My wife volunteered at the school and respected Merv because of his positive attitude, professionalism and caring attitude towards his staff, students and parents. My first encounter with Merv was when he snuck up behind my wife and I while we were waiting to pick up our daughter from kindergarten and he “busted” us for holding hands on school property. It was quite funny, we had a good laugh and the jokes carried on for years between us. Our family is honoured to have known such a great person and we will always remember him. Our condolences go out to all of his family.

Kevin, Tawnya, Marissa and Ashlyn Conway
Nov 19, 2009
Dear Tara,

I was your grade one teacher when I first met your dad. Your mom had just passed away. I got to know your dad during that year. He was a wonderful man. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. Take care of each other.

With love and thoughts,

Daphne Pretty
Nov 18, 2009
Our condolences to your family. We often saw your Father when he was out for his walks. We will miss his friendly wave and smile. He often stopped to talk especially if our grandsons were playing in our front yard. Our oldest grandson Nicholas attended Ellison Elementary during his tenure. He was an awesome principal who took a keen interest in all of his students. He will be dearly missed.

John & Sylvia Lawrence,

North Glenmore
Nov 18, 2009
Merv was a wonderful friend that we have known for many, many years. My husband graduated from high school with Merv, as well as played football at North Van. High with him. We were charter students at SFU with Merv, and we both worked with Merv in our careers as school teachers in the Central Okanagan. Merv was a very genuine and sincere person who had a great sense of humour. This made him a very special person to work with! We feel very sad that we lost touch with him after our move to Vancouver Island after our retirement. Merv will be sadly missed, but very positively remembered, by all those whose lives he touched. Our condolences go out to all of his family.

Don & Rosemary Nelson

Parksville, B.C.
Nov 18, 2009
Merv was one of the first Principals for our children at Dorothea Walker and became a friend immediately. He was a wonderful man. We hope you find peace knowing he is together with his wife that he spoke so often about. We are not in town this weekend or would have been at the service. Our thoughts will be with you all.

Regards,

Art & Jody Hayes
Nov 18, 2009
Sean, Krista and Tara,

Your Dad was so very proud of you all. I feel privileged to have known him. I met Merv as the school principal at Ellison Elementary, however he soon became a friend. The way he lived his life will continue to teach others for years to come. He was an wonderful man.

Our deepest sympathy,

Leanne, Dan, Miranda and Shani Knorr