No headline

Donald Merkeley, 95

Donald Karl Merkeley was born April 23, 1923, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Howard and Norma Kinnear Merkeley. He died at The Ranch on Feb. 7, 2019, surrounded by family. Donald was predeceased by older brothers, Garth and Norman, as well as a beloved younger sister, Lois Anne. He married Kate Mary Vivian Aspinall in 1946.

Don’s career took them first to the Canadian Navy, then to serve as a special constable with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Daughter, Lois Anne, was born while they lived at Depot, in Regina. The RCMP sent him to NYU to study forensic pathology, and he worked with the Coroner’s Office of New York City. Both son, Ward, and daughter, Dana, were born while they were there.

They moved to Lewiston, Idaho, where son, Jeff was born. His father and a nurseryman across the road inspired his love of plants and gardening. He never failed to create beautiful gardens in the places that the family lived. He was always able to find seeds and plants to add to his garden from wherever he traveled (not always legally). His childhood spent on the prairies and lakes of Manitoba led to a lifetime spent outdoors, hunting, fishing, skiing and introducing others to his passions.

Don’s interest in everyone and everything around him never ceased, whether it was building wooden boats, following the routes of trappers, making “Champagne,” or plotting the planting of next year’s garden. He and his wife retired to North Idaho after many wonderful years in Seattle. Don continued to build wooden boats and enjoyed people’s use of them as much as the process of building them.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved life companion, Vivian, and eldest daughter, Lois. He is survived by son, Ward (Donna) and his family; daughters, Jillian (Griffin and River) Hull, Olivia, and Vivian; son, Jeff; grandson, Tyler Merkeley (Katy) and daughter, Dana. He is also survived by his Canadian family, who brought much love and joy to his life.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, 500 E. Wallace Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. There will a reception to follow the service in the church parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.