It is with great sadness, the family of Merlin Harold Hovde, announce his sudden passing on March 4, 2023. A loving and devoted husband of 58 years to Peggy, father to James (Christy) – Brookes, and Stacey (Rita) – Carmangay, grandfather to AJ (sadly deceased), Carly, Dylan, Connor, great grandfather to Onyxx and Xxena, extended family Kayla, Ryan and Rhiann. Also survived by his sister Sharry Cobb (Zilla, Washington) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Raised in Carmangay, Alberta, Merlin grew up on the family farm, where he had the best, mischievous time with his sister Sharry, cousins and friends. He shared his time in both Alberta and Toppenish, Washington, USA from kindergarten through to graduation.
He met the love of his life “Peg” and had 57 wonderful years together, which included travelling around the world with lifelong friends. Merlie worked as a heavy duty mechanic and drove bus for Steve Koch until taking over the family farm. He loved the outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing and quadding and in particular, going South for the winter. Although he slowed down towards the end of his years, his love of life did not stop, living vicariously through his grandchildren and spoiling them rotten (as all good grandpas do).
Merlin was surrounded by many wonderful friends and enjoyed life to its fullest. He will be best remembered for singing “Old Shep” and “As Time Goes By”with Doreen. He was a member of the Fire Association and a long time member of Barons Royal Legion.
May he rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Vulcan County Health &Wellness Foundation, Box 28, Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
It is a shock to hear of Merli’s passing. Sorry for your loss Peggy
My thought and prayers are with you, Peggy, and your family.
Peggy:
I’m so sorry to hear from Michele of Merle’s sudden passing.
Sending you my condolences Peggy
Thinking of you in the days ahead ..
Fondly,
Rose
Peggy I was so sorry to hear about Merlin’s passing…lots to be grateful for…..lots to mourn. Thinking of you.
So sorry to hear of Merlin’s passing Peggy. You as well as the Carmangay community will miss his dearly. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Shirley Zuehlke
Dear Peggy and all of the family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have lots of fun memories of you and Merlie spending time with mom and dad. What a fun man he was. Take comfort in the love and support of your family and friends.
Brenda (Pasolli) McCredie
Our deepest sympathy to you Peggy and your family. Cherish the great memories that you had together over the many years. Our thoughts are with you.
Sorry for your loss Peggy. Merlin will always be remembered by all that knew him.
I was saddened to hear of Merlie’s passing. A great fellow who rode the school bus with me for 10 years and although I wasn’t around Carmangay for many years was hoping to renew our friendship now I am back in Alberta.
Merlie was a good person and my sincere condolences’ go out to Peggy and the family.
I was saddened to hear of Merlyns passing. We will cherish all the good times we had growing up. May you rest in peace and our thoughts go out to Peggy and families.
Dearest Peggy and family,
Merlie was a very special guy. He sure will be missed. Please know that I’m here for you if you need a shoulder anytime.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.
It’s wonderful that you got 58 years together so lots of great memories
Cheryl
My thoughts are with you and your family
All our love and most sincere condolences to you Peggy, Sharry, James and Stacey and your beautiful families. We have so many wonderful memories of Merlie. Our thoughts are with you. Love Mike & Deb.
Love will keep you together. Merlie will always be in heart. Memories keep him alive in all you do. Know that you are loved.
Andrew loved him like a brother.
My dear Peggy, and family. So sorry to read Merlies obituary. My sincere sympathy to you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers and look forward to seeing you when I get home. So many good memories of our times together .May you feel Gods comforting arms around you
Dear Peggy
It was a shock to hear of Merli’s passing. We always enjoyed his company at the dinnertable with our dinner buddies. We wish you peace of mind and send our sympathy.
Love Frank and Joanne
Our deepest condolences to Peggy & family as well as all of Merle’s friends. He will be sorely missed.
My condolences Peggy. Thinking about you, and sending hugs
We are so sorry, to hear of Merli’s past. Our thoughts are with you.,
Thinking of you at this time. Merlin was a great man and will be forever missed. May your fond memories through the days ahead.
So sorry for your loss Peggy and family.
Peggy and family ,my thoughts & prayers go out to you.So sorry for your loss.
My thought and prayers are with you Peggy and family
Peggy … my sincere sympathy goes out to your and your family at this sad time! I have fond thoughts and warm memories of times spent in Merlin’s company, and always looked forward to running into the two of you at The Great Gottenberg Gatherings! I like to think that he and Doreen are singing together now! Both lovely, special people we all miss!
My thoughts are with you & your family Peggy.