Mervin Dennis Hollihan

Mervin Dennis Hollihan was born on June 1st, 1934, in Nemiskam, to parents, Dennis and Regina Hollihan with his siblings Mabel, Barry, Annette.

After school, he worked driving a water truck for the rigs, and later a gravel truck for the county. He spent most of his working years in dietary, and retired from the Ponoka Alberta Hospital (CCMHBI). Mervin had a strong work ethic and worked very hard to support his four growing boys, along with his first wife Verna Hollihan. He lived a robust life outdoors, pursuing his passions with his mules and in his woodworking shop. Mervin was a skilled man and talented wood worker. He created useful trailers, sheds, picture frames, bird houses, wishing wells, a log splitter, a sawmill, and furniture. For his grandkids he created over 400 rocking horses, doll houses and cribs, toy trucks, and much more. He even displayed a miniature town with all the furnishings a house would have, which his wife contributed linens, and tiny knit quilts for the beds. He honed his skills through challenging projects that required planning and perfection. He shared his creations as gifts, blessing his friends and family with items hecreated as a labor of love. His love extended to his mules, to whom he gave great care and attention. Mervin joined the Tees Mule and Donkey Club and decorated his wall with many ribbons and trophies from competitions and shows such as Spruce Meadows.

He was an active member of the Legion and the Moose. Throughout Mervin’s life, he loved to dance and danced many nights away at Solo dances and the Ponoka Hall. Mervin’s love for dance continued even when he moved into long term care, sharing a dance with his granddaughter, the twist in his chair shortly before his passing.

Mervin’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the Lacombe Hospital medical team for their service and exceptional care for Mervin Hollihan.

Mervin leaves behind his three sons, Alton, Eugene, Lloyd, and his daughter-in-law Laura, and half-son Francis. His grandchildren, Candyce, Kayla, Morgan, and Courtney. His great-grandsons, Ryder, Carter, and Hudson. His stepsons, Jim, Bill, and Blaine, and their wives Micha, Diane, and Shelly. His step-grandchildren, Victoria, Stefanie-Ann, Landen, Kimberlynn, Tia, Brittney, and Brett. His step-great-grandchildren, Daxton, Harper, Watson, Alexis, Cohen, Karsen, Wyatt, Cassidy, Kolsen, Stetson.

Mervin will join his wife Ethel Hollihan in the eternal kingdom, with whom he was married to since June 5th, 1982, for 34 years. Mervin will be gravely missed by all his loving friends and family for our remaining years.

Memorial donations in honour of Mervin Hollihan can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the disease from which he succumbed to on November 29th, 2022, after 88 years of life.

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