ALLISON (AL) MERVYN, of Lethbridge, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre, Palliative Care on Monday, October 17, 2011, at the age of 75 years. Al was born in Lethbridge on April 7, 1936 to William and Gladys Mervyn. He resided almost all his life at 3110-6 Avenue South with the exception of a few years in Calgary, Canmore and Didsbury in the Service Station Business. Left to mourn his passing are his wife Jan St. John, daughters Tracey (Basil) Szpuniarski, of Barons, Melody (Al) Carberry, of Red Deer, sons Darren and Bill (Pat) of Lethbridge., and their mother Marjorie Mervyn. As well as his grandchildren Willie, Shane, Blair (Brandy), Jessica, Christopher, Nicholas, Ty and Cody as well as two great grandchildren Tyson and Brady. Sister and brother-in-law Gladys and Gordon Field, children Douglas & Deborah, of Cranbrook, BC, as well as whole bunches of uncles, aunts, and cousins. Al is also survived by Jan’s family Melody Elliott, of Calgary, Mark (Kammie), of Ontario, Michelle (Stef) Berube of Edmonton, Bill & Lynette Entzminger, all of Warner. Dave & Vicki Nelson of Stirling, Craig & Joan Dies, of Victoria, plus all of their children and grandchildren.
Al was predeceased by his parents William and Gladys Mervyn, brother Clayton and Jan’s mom, Iris Dies. Al received his education in Lethbridge and in 1954 left the L.C.I to work at Skyline Esso Service and then went to work for the C.P.R. where he was promoted from clerk to Locomotive Foreman, when that position was abolished he quit. He joined the Lethbridge Herald and was soon promoted to District Supervisor, again the job was cut and he quit. He then went to Calgary, back into the service station business and was promoted to Manager running stations in Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. While in Canmore he was offered his own station and in 1968 moved to Didsbury, Alberta. The government bought the land for a roadway and that ended the service station business. He then returned to Lethbridge where he started his career with Lethbridge Transit and that lasted 26 years, retiring in 1997. He made many friends during the time, both fellow workers and bus riders; most of them are still friends today. During this time he was elected Vice President and the President of the Amalgamated Transit Union #987, a position he held for approximately 10 years. He travelled from coast to coast in both Canada and the U.S. He was very proud of the achievements he gained by the executive during his term.

In 1961, he married Marjorie Madsen and they had four children. In 1991, he was divorced and found a new life with Jan St. John. Along with his children he had two more to love, plus Jan’s family. From playing the violin, clarinet, trumpet and trombone he changed to cars. He was a very good fiddle player in his teen years but the car bug bit the most. He loved antique cars and in May 1964 he helped found the Southern Alberta Antique and Classic Auto Club, and served in every office over the years. He owned more than 60 cars during his life and was restoring a 1928 Franklin. Al really enjoyed visiting with all the friends from school, during his journey into retirement. Friends from school have kept in touch and visit and Al was very thankful for these kind people over the years. When Al needed help his friends were there and he for them. Al would like to say thanks to each and every one of you for being there and being a true friend, and I am sure you know who I am thinking. Love ya. A Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Friday, October 21, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. with Milt McCray, officiating. In memory of Al, donations may be made to St. Mike’s Palliative Care, 1400-9 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4V5. Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone 403-381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca