Merle Clifford Leavens, late of Weyburn, passed away October 10, 2014, at the age of 74 years. Merle was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Alda. Merle is survived by his wife Margaret; daughters: Laurie Nickel (Cec Hodge), Regina, Connie (Rodney) Hoggan, Regina; grandsons Riley (Michelle) and their daughter Victoria and grandson Rhett Hoggan; son Jason Nickel, Nanaimo, BC; sister Dona (Harold) Heidinger, Kamloops, BC; niece Liesl Heidinger (Frazer Johnston) and their daughter Kiera, Maple Ridge, BC; Nephew Devin (Diana) Heidinger and their children Ronin, Zachary, Matilda, Chilliwack, BC; sister-in-law Norma Tanton, Regina; brother-in-law Jimmy (Signa) Lamoureux, Radville, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Merle was born September 22, 1940 at Weyburn Union Hospital, son of Harold and Alda Leavens. Merle grew up on the family farm and farmed with his dad until his dad retired. Merle also drove a school bus while farming and worked in the school bus garage. After 鈥渞etirement鈥� he kept busy helping friends and neighbours farming and wherever he was needed. He loved kids which was evident when his niece, Liesl, and nephew, Devin, arrived. Merle loved them dearly as they did him. There were many visits when Merle could be found on the floor with them on top. In October 1982, Merle married Marg鈥攐ne of the best things to happen to him. In addition, he gained a complete family of three children, ages five to 18. What a bonus! The family has many great memories they wish to share. Dona remembers bus rides to school with her big brother. There was no fooling around as he had eyes in the back of his head. Brother-in-law, Harold, recalls a night of crokinole where Merle and he played into the wee hours with the help of a bottle of rum. Merle won every game. Merle thought he had all the pride and joy with his three step children until two grandsons, Riley and Rhett, arrived. And yet again, recently, when great granddaughter, Victoria, arrived. Riley and Rhett always enjoyed a visit to grandpa and grandma鈥檚, as grandpa always had a project. Riley enjoyed tearing apart wood pallets for firewood and then the bonfire that followed. Rhett remembers grandpa buying him a ticket to win a huge pumpkin, a 5 foot pumpkin, according to Rhett. Rhett was the lucky winner, and of course, grandma made pies, and pies, and pies (60 pounds). Merle loved his games: crokinole, cribbage and pool. He was a very experienced pool player as he had skipped classes in high school to practice. Everyone wanted him as a partner. He also loved cribbage, winning a bronze medal at the Senior Summer Games in Humboldt with partner Garth White. Merle was very community minded and gave freely of his time. He took on these tasks with enthusiasm and dedication. He was Exalted Ruler of the Elks in Weyburn, member of the Lions Club, 麻豆视频 Weyburn Community Center, and Wheatland Seniors Center, and volunteer with the Weyburn Red Wings. For the last few years he has been on the board of the Condo Association, doing the condo maintenance, as well as working as a guard at the Weyburn Police Service. Both jobs keeping him busy and active. So much for retirement! The family remembers all the happy, fun times spent with Merle. Thank you to everyone for your love and support. A funeral service for Merle was held on Wednesday, October 15 at 2 p.m. from Grace United Church with Rev. M. Barnabas, officiating. All in attendance were considered honorary pallbearers. A private family interment took place at Green Acres Memorial Gardens. For family and friends so wishing donations in memory of Merle may be made to to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279 3rd Ave. N, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 1M6, Wheatland Senior Centre, 888 1st Ave., Weyburn, SK, S4H 3M1, or a charity of choice. Arrangements were entrusted to RD Family Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, Weyburn (306-848-0333 ~ 1-888-848-0333). Expressions of sympathy to the family may be sent to our website at 鈥淥ur family serving your family鈥�
