MERTZ, Gary

MERTZ GARY KEITH MERTZ, beloved husband of Bev (Heggie) Mertz passed away peacefully in Raymond Hospital on October 15, 2022 at the age of 75 years. Gary is the loving father of Gerald (Helen), Todd (Rochelle), and David. He is also a grandfather of 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. In addition to Bev and his family, he is survived by his brother Ken (Dianne) and sisters Della and Linda (Larry). He was predeceased by his parents William and Rosina, brothers Leonard and Dennis, and sisters Lorna, Marlene and Jeanine.
Gary was born on February 2, 1947 in Lethbridge to William and Rosina Mertz. He was the seventh of their nine children. He grew up as a farm kid in Stirling, and later raised his family there. He met his beautiful bride, Bev Heggie and they were married in 1966, spending 56 years together. He worked hard on his farm, to support his family. He also spent over 40 years as a Ford partsman in Calgary, Lethbridge, Raymond and Cranbrook. In 1992, Gary had the opportunity to purchase a ranch in B.C. with his wife Bev, and they spent the next 25 years living their dream. This is where his family was able to develop some of their fondest memories of grandpa and grandma. He loved being in the mountains and caring for his livestock. During their years ranching they were adopted into the close-knit community of Jaffray, B.C. and loved the people there. In 2017, Gary and Bev decided it was time to retire and moved back to southern Alberta to settle in Coaldale. Gary was a man of few words but loved to visit with people. However, at church and other events, he was most comfortable sitting on the back row. He served his Church in any way he felt he could; including serving with Bev at the Cardston Temple.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to the caring staff at the Raymond Hospital, Coaldale Homecare, Foothills Hospital, and Dr. C. Nelson and Dr. W. Walters.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 2216 – 21a Ave, COALDALE, AB on Friday, October 21, 2022 at 11:00 am.
Friends may meet the family prior to the Service from 10:00 to 10:45 am or on Thursday, October 20, 2022, also at the Coaldale Chapel, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. For those wishing to participate at home, a link will be provided on the Salmon and Sons website.
To send a condolence, please visit www.salmonandsons.ca