GILES, Mervyn Dudley

May 5, 1935 – November 10, 2020

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Mervyn Giles of Cochrane.

Merv was born May 5, 1935 to Jack and Jessie Giles of Shepard, AB. Merv had 3 brothers and 3 sisters. He attended Shepard school until grade 9. Merv went to High School at Western where he met the love of his life, Claudia Indergard. They were married November 10, 1956.

In 1969 the family moved to the Cochrane area.

Merv was predeceased by his brothers Terry, John, Barney and 2 of his sisters, Thora and Jean(Guthrie). He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Claudia, two daughters, Charlene Gale and Carrie Giles and son, Clint (Glenda) Giles and his 6 grandchildren, Kendra, John, Michael Gale and Randi-lyn, Cole and Taylor Giles. He is also survived by his younger sister, Joan Delorme.

Merv was a lifelong rancher and hauled “soup”(stillage) to his cattle for years.

He enjoyed raising and racing greyhound dogs, taking many down to the tracks in the USA. He got interested in raising and showing Miniature Horses and it became his passion. With the miniatures, he became a Stampede volunteer and later the Chairman of the Miniature Horse Committee. He and Claudia  also volunteered at Aggie Days for years. He was a big Calgary Stampede supporter.

Merv and Claudia took the UFA Miniature Horse hitch to many parades all over Alberta for many years.

In the last years, Merv suffered from dementia and was a resident of Bethany Care Cochrane. His family would like to thank everyone at Bethany for the fine care he received.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Parkinson’s Society of Canada.

Due to Covid restrictions there will be no funeral.

Arrangements entrusted to Flo Simpson, Funeral Director

Cochrane Country Funeral Home – Ph: 403-932-1039

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  1. On November 11, 2020 at 4:17 pm Bruce and Joan Cunningham Said:

    We feel so honored to have met Merv and to call him friend. His relaxed rancher demeanor was so infectious.
    Blessings to all his family on this difficult chapter of life.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today

  2. On November 11, 2020 at 9:35 pm Stacy McKellar Said:

    To Giles Family,

    I am so sorry for the loss of your Husband, Father and Grandfather. He had such a kind and generous heart. I still remember the winter I was taking care of parents place and the furnace went out. I don’t remember the exact details but I believe my father got a hold of Mr. Giles to inquire if he knew of someone that could come out. Mr. Giles came over himself and was concerned about the cold, so he returned with a portable heater so I would be warm while waiting for someone to come fix the furnace. Yet another time, I went into the ditch after hitting ice. Unsure of who to call, I reached out to Kendra and she called her grandfather who had graciously agreed to come out with his tractor to help me out. Those incidents just spoke about his care and kindness for others. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

  3. On November 13, 2020 at 10:18 am Linda Dolen Said:

    My deepest and heartfelt sympathy in this time of great sadness. Know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. He is not so far away just beyond where you can see, he lives in your heart in the love you shared and the memories you made together. Your husband, your father, your grandfather was such a kind and gentle soul and will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege of being part of his journey. Mr. Giles truly made the world a better place.
    Gods Blessing
    Linda Dolen

  4. On November 13, 2020 at 6:07 pm Luree Politsky Said:

    So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad , Carrie.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  5. On November 14, 2020 at 2:06 pm Pat & Nancy Lake Said:

    So sorry to hear this news. May you be comforted by your memories. Thinking of you during these difficult times.

  6. On November 17, 2020 at 3:27 pm Bill and Jude Bancroft Said:

    Claudia and Family

    We were so sorry to hear of Merv’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and all your Family.
    Thinking of you all at this sad time.

    Bill and Jude Bancroft

  7. On November 17, 2020 at 4:33 pm John Sinclair Said:

    Claudia and family
    Very sorry to hear about Merv
    I have missed dropping in for a chat for a long while now
    he will be remembered as a kind and good man and a neighbor we will always
    remember
    Our deepest condolences
    John Sinclair and Family

  8. On November 18, 2020 at 6:29 pm Jane Mason Said:

    Dear Claudia
    You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Life brings tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever.
    Jane and family

  9. On November 19, 2020 at 8:16 am Donna Dahm Said:

    Dear Claudia and all your family

    I’m so sorry to hear of Merv’s passing. My sincere condolences to all your family. I have many wonderful memories from my childhood days of spending time with all your family. May your precious memories become cherished treasures to carry in your hearts forever.

    Donna Dahm, Peace River

  10. On November 19, 2020 at 6:54 pm John and Rosie Forsyth Said:

    We are so sorry to hear of Merv’s passing.and send our condolences to all of the family. Merv was a kind hearted man who always had a warm welcome for people. His gentle ways and generous nature will be missed. May your many happy memories sustain you at this time.

  11. On November 21, 2020 at 11:34 am Corinne and Darrel Winter Said:

    Dear Claudia, Charlene, Carrie, Clint and Joan,

    We extend our thoughts and prayers to you and your families in the loss of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother. We remember Merv as a kind, generous and thoughtful man and warmly recall the memorable times we shared as neighbours at Shepard. Within our hearts those we love remain with us always.

    Sincerely,
    Darrel and Corinne

  12. On November 23, 2020 at 12:27 am Charlene Said:

    Sending my condolences to you Charlene and your family on the loss of your Dad! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

    Sincerely, Dawn Bonner(Perrenoud Ranche)

  13. On November 23, 2020 at 9:54 am Melvin and Betty Beeby Said:

    To Claudia, Charlene, Carrie, Clint and families,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Sorry for your loss.
    Mel and Betty

  14. On January 25, 2021 at 10:38 am Terri Eccleston Said:

    my deepest condolences to your family of passing of Merv..my name Terri I was his housekeeper when he was at Brentwood care center for short period of time…just wanted send my prayers and deepest condolences too your family.

  15. On January 25, 2021 at 10:38 am Terri Eccleston Said:

    my deepest condolences to your family of passing of Merv..my name Terri I was his housekeeper when he was at Brentwood care center for short period of time…just wanted send my prayers and deepest condolences too your family. From Terri

  16. On March 14, 2021 at 11:03 am Jerry or Lorraine Richards Said:

    I have just heard of Merv’s passing. I am so saddened by this. Merv bought our NFR tickets from us since the early 90’s; and through this, we developed a great friendship. Who could not like Merv? Such a gracious and caring man. Merv was just going to pop by to pick up the tickets, and popping by ended with with a 1-2 hour visit. I miss those times. I just want to send my condolences and hugs to all of you.
    Lorraine Richards