GRIBBONS, Mervin

GRIBBONS, Mervin J. - died peacefully on April 17, 2013 at the age of 82. Merv will be survived by: his loving wife of 60 years, Janet (nee Warner); daughters Jo-Ann Junkin and Jennifer Perpick and her husband Jim; son, Michael and his wife Jodi; grandchildren Sarah, Katie and Andrew Junkin; Stephanie and Matthew Perpick; and Jade Gribbons. He is remembered by: Donna and Bob Horne and Betty Warner. He is predeceased by: his parents Mary Ellen and Thomas Joseph; sisters Eileen Scalzo, Margaret Clouthier, Jean Marshall and Theresa Granger; brothers Thomas, Desmond, Willard, Archibald, Merrill and Reginald; brother-in- law Gary Warner. Merv had a long wonderful life, full of loved ones and many passions. His youth was spent on the ball fields and rinks of North Bay. After moving to Falconbridge to play hockey, he met his wife-to-be Janet and was smitten on sight. Together they made Sudbury their home. Merv worked at INCO for forty years, most recently as a crane inspector. He continued his love of sports as a referee and umpire. Merv was very devoted to his community. He coached youth sports, shovelling neighbours' driveways and helped out any way he could. He was a tireless volunteer for many causes, primarily as a fundraiser and Chairman of the Board of Sudbury's Older Adult Center. He was incredibly passionate about Opera and classical music and loved to share his knowledge with others. In his later years, Merv was most easily found at the pool hall, honing his shot and waiting for the Liberals to be re-elected. His greatest love was his grandchildren; for them, Merv would do anything. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of donations to the Downs Syndrome Association of Sudbury or the Parkside Older Adult Centre are greatly appreciated. A celebration of Merv's life will occur on Saturday April 20th at the Parkside Older Adult Centre (140 Durham St, Sudbury, ON). (Friends may call after 1pm. Saturday with words of remembrance at 1:30pm. (Arrangements entrusted to the JACKSON & BARNARD FUNERAL HOME) To light a memorial candle, flowers, donations or messages of condolences available on-line at www.lougheed.org.