John Mervin Bunnell

John Mervin Bunnell passed away at the Dr. F. H. Wigmore Regional Hospital on December 25, 2018 at the age of 93.  John was born in Moose Jaw, SK on October 10, 1925 & was raised on the family farm in the Moose Jaw area.  He attended Prince Arthur and Peacock Schools.  He is predeceased by his wife Jean (1984), wife Dora (2011), granddaughter Tanya Damsgaard (Howe) (2013), sister Uola (2016).  He is survived by his children: Lois (Dale) Howe; and Mervin (Denise) – all of Moose Jaw; Marlene (Terry) Hooper – Courtenay, BC; Jeff (Sharon) – Moose Jaw; Cheryl – Regina; grandchildren: Mike (Lisa), Kelly (Julie-Anne) and Rob Damsgaard; Travis (Lindsey), Allison ( Kyle) and Leah (Steve); Sean and Jessica; Crystal (Andrew), Chantel (Alex), Daryl (Carly) and Derrick; Tara and Mitchell; 16 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brother Raymond (Phoebe) – Swift Current; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in March 1945 and trained at Camp Borden Ontario with No. 1 Canadian Machine Gun Training Corps until World War II ended & then returned to work on the family farm. He commenced work in the construction trade in 1949 as a carpenter apprentice, receiving a journeyman certificate while also helping on his parent’s farm.  John married Jean M. I. Gerrie on April 12, 1950 and lived in Moose Jaw until 1956 when they moved to the farm in the Carmel School district.  They farmed together and raised 3 daughters and 2 sons who also helped on the farm.  They enjoyed dancing, cards and socializing.  John & Jean drove school bus for Thunder Creek School Division in 1970 for 14 years.  Sadly John lost his wife Jean to a struggle with cancer in 1984.  John retired from farming in 1989.  He married Dora Parker in 1990 and they resided on the farm.  They enjoyed dancing, curling and travelling.  After Dora’s passing John moved to the Bentley Retirement Community and then to Chateau St. Michaels. He served on the Moose Jaw Co-op board for 10 years. He was a member of the Sask Wheat Pool committee for 36 years.  He served as a trustee on the Carmel & Lindale School Boards for 12 years serving as Sec Treasurer, Vice Chairman and Chairman.  He served as a director for the 1885 Old Timers Assoc, Moose Jaw Agriculture Society, Moose Jaw R.M. 161 zoning committee, Thunder Creek School Bus Drivers Association & a member of the Zion United Church Board. He became a member of the Doric Lodge No. 71 in 1951 and served as Junior Stuart, Director of Ceremonies, Inner Guard, Senior Deacon, Junior & Senior Warden, Worshipful Master and for Grand Lodge a Grand Junior Deacon.  He became a member of No. 1 O.E.S. in 1953 & served as Worthy Patron in 1968, 1978 & 1986. A Celebration of John’s life will take place at Zion United Church, 423 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 2:00 pm. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff of Chateau St. Michael for their kind and loving care of our Dad. Flowers are gratefully declined. As an expression of sympathy donations in John’s name may be made to Zion United Church, 423 Main St. N, Moose Jaw, SK, S6H 0W5. In living memory of John, a memorial tree planting will be made by Jones-Parkview Funeral Services. Please see our online book of condolences at www.parkviewfuneralchapel.ca and www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Blair Scott, Funeral Director.