Dave Merkley

Dave Merkley
May 17th 1945 to January 21st 2021

With deep sadness Carol Albert, Glenn Merkley and Kevin Merkley regret to announce the passing of David Merkley of Tottenham on Thursday January 21st at Matthews House Hospice. Dave leaves behind his eldest son, Kevin Merkley, his wife, Joyce, and their two daughters, Erin and Erika; his youngest son, Glenn Merkley, his wife, Margaret, their two daughters Alyssa and Kayla as well as Nicole Sardina and Chris Sardina. He also leaves behind his life partner of more than 20 years, Carol Albert of Alliston and her daughter Sonia Colosanti, husband, Peter and their two children Marcel and Mitchell. He was the youngest sibling of Diane Gordon, Paul Merkley and Ernie Merkley.

Dave was the husband of Jytte Merkley who passed away from cancer on May 31st 1997 at the age of 47. Dave has continued Jytte’s legacy of community contributions through creating Glimmer Park in Tottenham as a tribute to Jytte and her significant community work.

Dave was a French teacher for the York Region District School board teaching mainly at Nobleton Sr. PS and in Newmarket at Stuart Scott PS and Denne PS. He also taught at Tottenham PS and Father F.X. O’Reilly. Even in his final days while being cared for at Southlake Hospital in Newmarket, Dave’s impact on students was clear as two nurses working in the Critical Care Unit recognized our father as their French teacher and spoke about his influence and impact.

Dave was able to remain at home with his cat Misty until Saturday January 9th. He loved Tottenham and the people he met and connected with on a daily basis and he will miss those who have crossed his path in Alliston while visiting his partner Carol.

Carol, Glenn and Kevin would like to thank the staff in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Southlake Hospital in Newmarket, the staff at York Simcoe Transfer for their care and support in bringing our father to Matthews House Hospice in Alliston where our father spent his remaining few hours with Carol, Glenn and Kevin at his side. Dad was at peace having lived his life with loved ones, laughters, and being able to make a difference in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

There will be a virtual Zoom Celebration of Life on Thursday January 28th from 7:00 to 8:00pm. Please contact druryfc@bellnet.ca to be sent registration details for this virtual celebration. The family will be planning a Celebration of Life in the future in Tottenham.

In lieu of flowers, the family would kindly ask that donations be directed to the Alliston & District Humane Society and/or Matthews House Hospice in Alliston who asked for nothing but gave our family so much in his final hours.
Arrangements entrusted to Drury Funeral Centre, 705-435-3535.