GEORGE MERLE HADLEY, beloved husband of Lea Hadley, passed away surrounded by his loved ones at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, September 8, 2007 at the age of 78 years. Besides his loving wife Lea, Merle is survived by his devoted sister Marilyn Short, children; Cathy Ohama, Bert (Moira), Trevor (Barb), Brenda Hadley (Roger Doiron), Doug (Nicole), Sylvia (Keith) Fowler, 18 grandchildren; Lisa (Mike) Cranston, Dawn Ohama, Joy Ohama, Heather (Nathan) Riley, Ryan (Robin) Scheuerman, Sarah Hadley, Tamara Scheuerman, Josh (Shannon) Hadley, Kelsey Burke, Kyle Fowler, Cory Merle Scheuerman, Robyn Fowler, Kendra Merle Ohama, Jamine Hadley, Marina Ohama, Andrew Burke and Mason Hadley, 3 great grandchildren; Shelby Cranston, Kate Riley and Noah Merle Scheuerman, sister-in-law Mary Van Hove as well as numerous nieces, nephews and good friends. Merle was predeceased by his parents, his mother and father-in-law Marie and Victor Vercaigne, sisters Darlene and Maxine, brothers-in-law Albert Van Hove, Harvey Short and Phil Nydegger and his great granddaughter Ashley. Merle was born at Dundurn, Saskatchewan to Bert and Margaret Hadley. He was the oldest of 4 children. Merle married Lea Vercaigne on August 28, 1954. They have six children, 18 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Merle worked his whole career in the oil patch; in the early days as a rig hand and later as a drilling consultant. He enjoyed spending time garage saleing and his greatest joy was being with his family. A Private Family Memorial was held on Monday, September 10, 2007. A Graveside Service will be held at Dundurn Cemetery at a later date. In memory of Merle, donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 566 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3A 0G7.