Parcourez la nécrologie de Mervin John Dewasha November 16 1946 — August 22 2024 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
Mervin John Dewasha, a cherished member of his family and broader Indigenous community, passed away on August 22, 2024, at the age of 77. Born on November 16, 1946, Mervin displayed a love of community and family, and enjoyed being around people. Additionally, Mervin was passionate about his work, through his commitment to both his engineering profession and broader Indigenous community initiatives throughout his extensive career, which spanned over 50 years. A retired Civil Engineer, Mervin enjoyed a remarkable career within both the public and private sectors, including time with Health Canada and Neegan Burnside. He was also Vice-Chair of the Equity and Diversity Committee with the Professional Engineers of Ontario. His dedication to ensuring access and representation within the engineering profession earned him respect and recognition across various platforms. Throughout his professional journey, he was honored with over ten awards, including the National Aboriginal Achievement Award and, most recently, the Queen’s “Engineering Excellence 125th Award.”
Mervin was not only committed to his work but also to the Indigenous community. His significant contributions included serving as a Volunteer Director at the Miziwe Biik Development Corporation, where he actively supported Indigenous housing initiatives. His expertise was also evident when he chaired the Indigenous Committee for Habitat II during the United Nations conference in Istanbul, laying groundwork for future discussions on Indigenous issues on a global stage.
Education held a special place in Mervin’s heart. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1971 from Queen’s University and continued to pioneer access to education in engineering for Indigenous youth. His enthusiastic support for Indigenous education led to the establishment of the Amik program at the University of Toronto in 1991 and fostered similar initiatives at other institutions, cultivating future generations of engineers.
Mervin will be remembered for his lively personality and love of community. He delighted in supervising projects and was particularly fond of sports, especially the Toronto Blue Jays. Mervin cherished storytelling and laughter, always bringing friends and family together for memorable gatherings over the years.
Known for his love of conversation, Mervin delighted in being around people. He is survived by his children: Robert (Kate) and Jennifer Dewasha (TJ), as well as his grandchildren: Jackson, Michael, Mary Annabelle, and Nathan. Mervin is also remembered by his sister, Lois Jennings (late Chuck). He was predeceased by his late wife, Gayle Dewasha (Coleman), as well as his son Michael, and siblings Alvin and Barbara Dewasha.
The family wishes to invite all friends and family to a graveside service on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Wahta Mohawk Cemetery near Bala, Ontario, starting at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:30 a.m. at the Wahta Mohawks Administration and Community Centre to honor and celebrate the remarkable life of Mervin John Dewasha. whose legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire many.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Indigenous Futures in Engineering Fund which supports outreach programs aimed at inspiring young Indigenous individuals to develop an interest in mathematics and science, promoting engineering as a viable post-secondary option, and assisting Indigenous students in achieving success within the Smith Engineering programs. givetoqueens.ca/mervin-dewasha
November 16 1946 — August 22 2024
Décès pour la Ville:GRAVENHURST, Province: Ontario
avis deces Mervin John Dewasha November 16 1946 — August 22 2024
nécrologie Mervin John Dewasha November 16 1946 — August 22 2024
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Mervin John Dewasha November 16 1946 — August 22 2024 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.