FREDERICK MERTIN 1934 ~ 2012

Mr. Frederick ‘Fred’ Mertin of Medicine Hat, formerly of Leader, SK., beloved husband of Mrs.

Irene Mertin, passed away peacefully at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Friday, August 31, 2012, at the age of 77 years.  Along with Irene, Fred leaves to cherish his memory four children and their families:  son, Duane (Deb) Mertin of Bowden, AB., and their two children, Evan Mertin and Teneille (Tyler Trew) and their children, Davis, Julia and Reid;  daughter, Linora Stimson (Wes MacEwen) of St. Peters Bay, P.E.I. and Linora’s two children, Chance Stimson (Nadine) and their children, Hunter and Ryder;  April (Evan) Steppan;  son, Dean Mertin (Jackie) and their four children, Vanessa, Dallas, Chloe and Dawson of Leader, SK.;  son, Darren Mertin (Della) and their three children, Jenna, Skye and Cole of Leader, SK.  He is also survived by three sisters, Adeline (Mervin) Miller of Leader, SK., Violet (Bob) Bauder of Calgary, AB., Linda (Lorne) Schlaht of Leader, SK.;  two brothers-in-law, Dan (Donna) Specht and Allan (Kathy) Specht as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Hertha Mertin;  one brother, Harvey as well as parents-in-law, Phillip and Annie Specht.  Fred was born and raised in the Leader- Estuary area.  He married Irene Specht of Eatonia on June 7, 1957.  Fred and Irene made their home on the Mertin Homestead south of Estuary where they farmed and ranched their entire life.  In June of this year they celebrated 55 years of marriage.  Fred’s hobbies included fishing, country and gospel jamborees, weiner roasts and campfires.   Fred’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren where the light of his life, always being a spectator or cheerleader at hockey, dance or piano.  Fred was still farming up until a few weeks prior to his passing.  Those wishing to pay their respects may do so starting one hour prior to the service which will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 400 – 5 Street West in Leader, SK., on Wednesday, September 5, 2012, at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Barrett Scheske and Pastor Garfield Vikse co-officiating.  Interment will follow in the Leader Cemetery.  (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com)  If friends so desire, memorial tributes in memory of Fred may be made directly to the Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 400 – 5 Street West, Leader, SK., S0N 1H0.  Honoured to serve the family is COOK SOUTHLAND FUNERAL CHAPEL, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone: 527-6455