Mervin McFadyen

Mervin McFadyen

1933 - 2024

Mervin McFadyen, September 22, 1933 – June 3, 2024.  It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Mervin McFadyen, age 90, of Birch River, MB.  Mervin will be mourned and sorely missed by his wife Vera of 67 years, two children; Wanda McFadyen (Paul Moorby), Hugh McFadyen (Gisele Johnston), two grandchildren; Shane McFadyen (Karrlyn Marchuk) and great granddaughter Maelynn McFadyen, Danielle McFadyen (Ryan Blazenko) and great grandchildren, Chase and Neveah McFadyen along with extended family, friends and neighbours.

Mervin was born on the family farm in Castleavery district near Dropmore, MB on September 22, 1933.  He was the second son in a family of nine. It was here that Mervin completed his education and spent his childhood with his large extended family. In 1950, John and Mary McFadyen moved the family to the farm just north east of Birch River, MB.  Mervin called the farm home for nearly all his adult life.  Following the move to Birch River, Mervin helped on the family farm as well as threshing crews and worked in logging camps in the winters. He spoke fondly of this time in his life and the friendships and fun that was had.

On April 20, 1957 he married Vera Moore and they began their life together.  They lived on the Moore family farm for a brief time before Mervin joined the United Grain Growers in 1960.  He worked first in Grandview, MB as a helper as he learnt the ropes and then took on management of the elevators in Novra and Bellsite, MB. In the fall of 1966, Mervin and Vera along with their children moved to the McFadyen family farm and in 1974 Mervin returned to the UGG in Birch River and worked there until his retirement in 1999.  He continued to farm as well with his father, John, until his passing at which time Mervin took over the farm.

Mervin spent over 30 years involved with 4-H, first as a member of the Birch River Golden Acres Seed Club and then as a leader in the Pasadena 4-H Club and Birch River Busy Beavers 4-H Club.  He enjoyed working with youth and teaching them skills such as how to weld or fix a motor, grow a grain crop or show a steer.

Mervin was always willing to lend a hand and help a friend or family member. He was adapt at fixing a motor, running a welding bead and woodworking to name a few skill sets.  He took great pleasure in passing on these skills first to his children and then his grand-children and great-grandchildren.

Mervin was an animal lover and took great pride in his cowherd but more so his teams – first Colonel and Major and then Ginger and Gypsy. Upon his retirement, Mervin could be found giving sleigh rides with Ginger and Gypsy to all those that gathered at the farm on a Sunday afternoon in the winter.  These events often included a wiener roast, hot chocolate, bonfire, lots of laughter and memory building.

Mervin was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s achievements, careers and the families they created. As a family, we will forever hold onto the fond memories and the life lessons you taught us.  You are our husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather forever. 

As a family we invite you to join us at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at the Birch River Legion Hall to celebrate Dad’s life. In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made to the Manitoba Heart & Stroke Foundation 1379 Kenaston Blvd Winnipeg, MB R3P 2T5 or the Birch River Legion Branch #48 Box 216 Birch River, MB R0L 0E0.