Obituaries

April 4, 1962 – October 20, 2023

We are sad to announce the sudden passing of Belinda April Merkley (Dutchyn) on October 20, 2023, in Grande Prairie, Alberta at the age of 61.

Belinda (“Bel”) was born April 4,1962 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan to parents William (Bill) and Patricia Dutchyn. She met the love of her life, Dale Merkley, in Regina in 1984. They married in 1990 and welcomed twin daughters Bailey and Taylor in 1994. Bel quit her job as a marketing associate at Cable Regina in 1996 and became a dedicated homemaker for her family for the duration of her daughters’ childhoods. In 2005, Bel moved with her family to Grande Prairie, where she would live for the rest of her life.

Bel was a creative, vibrant, and compassionate person, but what we will miss most about her is her witty and wry sense of humour. She was a gifted writer and artist, as well as an accomplished cook. She loved cheering for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and could always be found in a green jersey on game days. Bel was an avid gardener and loved music and watching thunderstorms. She had a special place in her heart for animals of all kinds, especially her dog Rizzo whom she and Dale adopted from Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue Association in 2021.

Among the greatest joys of Bel’s life was the short time she enjoyed as a grandmother. In the last two years of her life, she spent much of her time cuddling, playing, and reading with her infant grandchildren. As a loving and devoted Nana, she will be especially missed.

She is survived by her beloved husband Dale; daughters Bailey (Marc) and Taylor (Kevin); grandchildren Andrew, Clara, and Casey; sister Patty (Stan); brothers-in-law Howard (Katrina), Glen, and Gord (Barb); sisters-in-law Carol (Garth) and Cathy as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, Bill and Patricia.

We love her very much and will miss her dearly.

A memorial service will be held in the spring at Bear Creek Funeral Home in Grande Prairie; details forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bel’s memory can be made to the Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue Association or mail to: 12220 104 Avenue Grande Prairie AB T8V 8A8

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780 830 7742 bcfh.ca