Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Saskatchewan for funeral details
Mervin “John” Bear
February 8, 1933 – January 5, 2024
90 years 331 days
Mervin “John” Bear would like to let you know that his work
here on Mother Earth is done. He received a call, a sort of an
offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which he will
not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on
bonus – a reunion with family and friends he has not seen in a
long time. Job security is exactly 100 percent. His new mission
takes him to a wonderful place where he will be socializing,
dancing, farming and gardening and reading to his heart’s
content. Music, laughter and love are guaranteed. Food is
delicious and you never gain an ounce. He left detailed
instructions for his children, family, and friends to celebrate his
Life, here on Mother Earth, which has now been completed.
Low adherence to this instruction will not be tolerated.
“Don’t grieve for me” he said. “Rather, be happy that I am going
to meet Creator and all my relations who have gone on ahead
of me. I’m anxious to see mom and dad again. Celebrate my Life
by remembering the most important lessons I have tried to pass
on to you all – integrity, truthfulness, honesty, respect, hard
work, and family.”
Mervin “John” Bear, loving husband, father and grandfather
passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 5, 2024. His life
was devoted to raising a family, caring for the land, serving his
community, and being a proud member of the Armed Forces.
John was born on February 8, 1933, on Muskoday (John Smith)
Reserve to Lena (Sayese) and Walter Bear, Sr. He grew up on the
family farm and attended the day school on the reserve. He left
school after grade 7 to work and help at home. To this day, he
has always regretted not getting an education, but he was the
smartest man I ever knew. He stressed education to his
children, and they all went on to university. At the age of 17, he
went to work at a dairy farm in Southern Ontario before
volunteering to join the Canadian Armed Forces. After basic
training at CFB Pettawawa, he shipped out with the Royal
Canadian Artillery to serve with Canada’s forces in the Korean
War from 1953-54. He retuned home and married Muriel Cecile
Joyce Bear, a marriage which would endure for 68 years, of
Muskoday in 1955 and began farming. He re-enlisted in the
Armed Forces in 1958 and was stationed at CFB Shilo
(Manitoba). After being discharged in 1961, the family returned
to Muskoday where he began farming full time. It was tough
but honest work, but John persevered and by the early 1980’s
had a successful mixed farming operation with over 130 cows
and 1500 acres in crop.
John was always actively involved in the community of
Muskoday, which he loved, and served several terms on
Muskoday band council. John loved being on the land and
continued to farm until 1997, when he decided to retire but he
kept busy tinkering in the shops and garages, maintaining a
large, well manicured yard and traveling with Joyce to Alaska,
Costa Rica, Texas, California, and Arizona. His greatest loves
were family, farming and being a proud Aboriginal veteran.
John is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joyce of the Herb
Bassett Nursing Home.
sons Randy, Bryan (Charlene), Dean (Kimberly).
daughter Norma (Robin) Fremont.
8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Brothers Austin (Robina), Lyle (Suzy), and sister Lois.
He was predeceased by:
His parents Lena and Walter Bear Sr.
Brothers:
Robert Henry (Bob), Colin, Hubert, Walter Jr., Bernard.
Sisters: Jessie, Lavina, Nellie, Betty, Ruth, Winnie, Mary, Elaine.
The family would like to give our utmost thanks and
appreciation to Maureen and all of the staff of the Herb Basset
Home, Paradise Path, in particular Christina, for all the
attention, care, and assistance they provided for dad in his
golden years. Megwich
Prayer service: Tuesday January 9, 2024 @ 7:00 pm at
Muskoday Hall
Funeral service: Wednesday January 10 at 2:00 pm. @
Muskoday Hall.
Interment: John‘s remains will be cremated and interred at a
later date.
Arrangements entrusted to : Mackenzie Funeral Chapel
130 9th St East, Prince Albert, SK :
Brian & Bev Stobbs, Mark Gyoerick, Mel Curle, Jordyn Jackobson
Friday January 5th 2024
Death notice for the town of: Prince-Albert,, Province: Saskatchewan
death notice Mervin John Bear Friday January 5th 2024
obituaries notice Mervin John Bear Friday January 5th 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mervin John Bear Friday January 5th 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
