Obituary of Mervyn Leo Staggs

Mervyn Leo Staggs, a long time resident of Hythe, Alberta, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Friday, July 27, 2012 at the age of 82 years. Merv was born on January 7, 1930 in Oyen, Alberta, to Leo and Olive Staggs. He spent his youth working in a sawmill in the Independent Valley area with his grandfather and uncles. He met the love of his life Joyce Armstrong, and they were married August 27, 1949. Merv was a farmer, the owner of a trucking company, and eventually realized his long time dream and became a bison rancher. Over the years Merv and his family participated in many parades and horse shows throughout Alberta, BC, and even in Sandpoint, Idaho. Merv was a loyal volunteer to many organizations in the Peace Region. He was a proud supporter of youth in our communities through minor hockey, Hythe and Beaverlodge Fairs, Spring Lake Ski Hill, and the Hythe Swimming Pool. Merv is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Toots Staggs, his children; Merwa (Ray) Howatt, Grace (Sam) Wideman, Sheila Staggs, Gene (Doris) Staggs, Cyndy (Ken) Halbert, Chad (Michele) Staggs, and Patti (Randy) Nichol, nineteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren, his sisters; Nona Vincent, Opal Cassidy, Nina Becker, Anna (Ted) Bartsch, May (Richard) Huerner, Lucette (Patrice) Flahaut, Monica (Drew) Owens, Patty (Gary) Forrester, Marie (Ken) Hunsberger, and Paulette (Tim) Stephenson and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Merv was predeceased by his parents Leo Staggs and Olive McClarty, and his stepfather Theddy McClarty. A Celebration of Merv's Life was held on Monday, August 20, 2012 at 2:00 pm at the Hythe Royal Canadian Legion Branch 93. Pastor Ella Loberg officiated. Interment followed in the Hythe Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Merv to the Hythe and District Pioneer Homes Box 388 Hythe, Alberta T0H 2C0. Very Repectfully Beaverlodge Funeral Service on behalf of Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium