BROCKWELL, Mervyn Earl (Pastor Merv) Died peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 at Campbell House Hospice in Collingwood at the age of 81 (October 4, 1941). Merv of Stayner, beloved husband of Susan (nee Baker) for over 62 years. Loving father of Rob (Corry), David, Martha (Dany Auclair) and Marybelle (Jason Randall). Cherished grandfather of James (Sandra), Katlin (Krista), Kira, Luke (Diana), Gabrielle, Jared (Sophie), Emily (Evan), Kelsey and Hayley and great grandfather of Sadie, Natalie, Lily and Tyler. Dear brother of Myrna (Bill Johnson) and the late Rodger and the late Connie.
Merv is also predeceased by his sister-in-law Catherine (late Doug Walker) and his parents Bob and Elsie. It’s been said “Love your life and what you’ve been given, it is not accidental – search for your purpose and do it as best you can.” Merv exemplified this as he was never afraid to take risks and kept his life’s doctrine simple, and that was “Jesus…He’s the Answer.”
Life’s not easy and this was true right from the beginning for Merv. While living on the 165-acre farm in Sunnidale, where he was born, he lost his mother, Elsie, in 1952 to chronic heart disease and his brother, Rodger, in 1959, to a car accident while serving overseas in Germany.
Merv started working full time at his father’s Chrysler dealership in Stayner at 16, where he learned each aspect of the car business until eventually running the operation. In 1966, the Brockwell Motors dealership moved to Collingwood and was eventually sold in 1974 and renamed Blue Mountain Chrysler. Through that time, Merv and Susan married and started raising a family together.
Merv then sold real estate for Chapman’s in Stayner for a while, before his love for the car business was rekindled and he built a used car dealership beside their home on Highway 26, which is now, Lafreniere Auto Sales & Service. Merv was always an example to others of the importance of serving in your church and community.
Upon retiring from the car business, Merv went into the ministry and pastored a small church in Hanover before returning to the area to start a new church in Wasaga Beach that initially was located in a plaza but within a few years acquired land and built Lighthouse Church, currently Clearview Community Church – Wasaga Beach.
Anyone that knew Merv, knew that his passion was for people and that he was truly gifted with a Pastor’s Heart which he lived by example and with the inspired words he spoke from the pulpit, at weddings and funerals or when providing counsel to motivate and encourage others, especially those going through difficult times.
We know that Merv is now in the presence of his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, but we also know that he will be deeply missed.
Friends will be received at the Carruthers & Davidson Funeral Home – Stayner Chapel, 7313 Highway 26, Stayner on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at the Clearview Community Church – Wasaga Beach Campus (formerly Lighthouse Church), 800 Sunnidale Road, Wasaga Beach on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 at 11 o’clock. Interment Stayner Union Cemetery. Reception to follow at the Clearview Community Church – Stayner Campus, 1070 County Road 42, Stayner. If desired, a donation in Merv’s memory to Clearview Community Church or Hospice Georgian Triangle would be appreciated by his family. To sign Merv’s Book of Memories, please visit www.carruthersdavidson.com.