A life celebrated: Tony Merkle

Posted on May 9, 2024 by Taber Times

Editor’s Note: A celebration of life was held for Tony Merkle at the Taber Community Centre on May 4.

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Tony Merkle (1928-2024) was active in many roles including:

• Vegetable/Flower street peddler

• Altar boy

• Newspaper ‘salesmen’ on Regina street corners

• Sea Cadet and Trumpet player performing in Queen City Boys Band & the Drum and

Bugle Band

• Cub scout

• Newspaper route delivery

• Sugar beet worker

• Shepherd for 6 years

• Cannery worker for 2 years

• Waiter

• Gas jockey

• Farmer

• Pool hall manager

• School Bus Driver for 13 years

• Owner/Operator of Taber Taxi

• Owner/Operator of Taber Bus Lines

• Truck driver

• Janitor

• Fireman for 10 years

• Ambulance Driver for 13 years

• Hockey Referee for 25 years

• Hockey Coach for 5 years

• Citizen of the Year in 1976

• Navy League Officer

• Member of the Minor Hockey Executive for 20 years

• President of Minor Hockey for 1 year

• Girls fastball coach for over 10 years

• Red Cross 79 pint blood donor

• Taber Community Arena Manager for 23 years

• Taber & District Sports Hall of Fame ‘Builder’ in 2002

• Numerous community awards for his garden productions

• Advanced to Bowling Provincials at the age of 78

• 2020 Inductee of the Taber Community Centre Wall of Fame to honor his

achievements and contributions to the Town

• Actor & Entertainer in Tabers Senior Community

His daughter, Valerie Merkle Basque Herron said, “He is keenly missed. And yes, he WAS a HERO.”