CROUSE Mervin Dale July 15, 1959- April 29, 2008 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Merv Crouse, who passed away unexpectedly of heart failure Tuesday April 29, 2008 at the age of 48 years. Merv was born in Calgary, Alberta on July 15, 1959 to Mel and Bea Crouse, at the age of 3 his family moved to Grande Prairie where he spent the next 45 years of his life and where the roots of his family have grown deep. Merv leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Dawn Marie, with whom he shared 25 wonderful years and their precious children Kathleen, Michael, David, and Nathan Crouse and Daine and Nikki Montgomery who came to be part of their family in 1990. Merv is survived by his mother Bea Crouse, sisters, Charlotte (Terry) Metz, Yvonne (Terry) Wolfe and brother Dwight, as well as nieces and nephews Christine (Josh) and Brynn Lancaster, Terence and Tim Metz, Jason, Tyler and Leanne Wolfe, mother-in-law, Betty Lou Lynch Noonan (Vince), brothers-in-law, Bryan (Mary-Ann) and Larry Lynch and sister-in-law Erin Lynch (Vince Hulan), nephew and nieces Kelan, Caitlyn and Miriam Lynch. Merv was predeceased by his father, Mel Crouse (2001), sister, Karen and brother-in-law, Wayne Montgomery (1990) and father-in-law Mike Lynch (1982). Merv was passionate about sports in his life participating in volleyball, basketball, hockey, skiing, football, pool, fishing, baseball, squash and his favorite, a round of golf. He enjoyed his time with friends and family around a table playing cards and games. He was also a dedicated "Sports Dad", coaching his team of kids through T-ball, soccer and basketball. His heart followed his children to many swim meets, basketball and volleyball games not to mention nail biting tournaments. Even with all his devotion to his children's accomplishments Merv's competitive spirit never allowed him to let his children beat him, he was determined not to let that happen. The kids appreciated and admired him for his commitment to always accomplish his goals, both in sports and in life! Merv demonstrated his business leadership and love of community through his involvement with the Swan City Rotary Club, The Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce and The Alberta Textile Care Association, but he was most proud of carrying on the tradition for the 'Coats for Kids' Campaign. Merv previously held a position with the Credit Union Board of Directors. Laughter and kindness were rarely far from Merv, as he surrounded himself with a bounty of wonderful friends who loved him dearly and will miss him enormously. Even though most knew him as the 'guy behind the counter' at Crouse's Cleaners and 'Swervin' Mervin' on the basketball court, he will always be remembered for his devotion and commitment to Dawn Marie. "I will not fail you, my love. I will continue on the path we shared and I know you will be there to help me, as you always were. And when we meet again at the journey's end, and we laugh together once more, I will have a thousand things to tell you." Queen Noor Prayer Service to be held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 5, 2008, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with a 'Wake' to follow in the Church Hall until 11 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 1:00 p.m., at St. Joseph's Catholic Church (10404-102 Street), Grande Prairie. Interment to follow at the Grande Prairie Cemetery. On Feb 28, 2008 Merv and Dawn Marie together established their family endowment fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Grande Prairie. Memorial donations in honor of Merv can be directed to the Merv and Dawn Marie Crouse Family Fund c/o The Community Foundation of Greater Grande Prairie, #200, 11330-106 Street, Grande Prairie, AB. T8V 7X9. Merv's memory will live on and continue to touch our community through his philanthropic spirit. Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.oliversgrandeprairie.com Oliver's Grande Prairie Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 10005-107 Ave. Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V-1L8 (780) 532-2929 "Dedicated Service Since 1915"