Mervyn Joseph LaBrash

Merv had been yearning for heaven and on April 3, 2024 he stepped into the presence of Jesus.

He leaves to mourn his daughter, Anita Wessel, grandsons, spouses and great-grandchildren, Douglas (Carly), Luc (Katrina – Madelynn, Paisley), Jesse (Maddison – Woods, Brynna) Jacob (Chloe); his son, Mervyn P. LaBrash aka Charlie (Karen), grandsons Jett (Ben), Kristian (Ashley), sister Ione LaBrash; sister-in-law, Angeline Wooley, numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.

Merv was predeceased by his son, Jeffrey, parents Mervyn E. and Beulah, sisters Mervagene and Ellie, and his beloved wife of 61 years, Frances M. (Zentner).

Merv spent his early years in The Pas, Manitoba hunting, trapping and fishing with his Dad. He went on to become a heavy equipment operator throughout the prairies. He met Frances in Lomond and they married in 1954 adding to their family Anita 1955, Mervyn 1958 and Jeffrey 1962.

When a trip to BC convinced Merv he’d found paradise the family moved first to the Fraser Valley and 10 years later to Princeton. Thus began a period of prolific entrepreneurship including equipment rentals, sales of turkeys, rabbits, linoleum, topsoil, lumber, roofing, and services with Bobcats, draglines, trucks. Many of these enterprises thrive today under new ownership.

Merv was a delightful (mostly true) story teller, a friend of Bill W. with 60 years of sobriety, a mentor to some, and a grateful follower of Jesus Christ. He took his faith seriously and shared it whenever given the opportunity.  For this and so much more his family is thankful.

We thank Dr. E. Munro, the staff at Ridgewood Lodge, especially Michelle for the compassion and care given to Merv.

We will gather to remember and celebrate Merv’s life on Saturday, April 27, 2:00 p.m. at Princeton Baptist Church, 160 Old Hedley Road.