durhamregion.com | This Week | Thursday, December 22, 2022 | | 36 MERKAC, Gabriel March 9, 1932 - December 6, 2022 ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ Gabriel Merkac of Mitchell Corners, at the age of 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. Devoted husband to Petronella (Ronny) Merkac (Garrels). Daughter, Cindy Stirling (Merkac). Her children and his dearest grandchildren Molly, Drew and Jaslan Stirling and many foster grandchildren. Daughter Debbie Merkac- Robinson. Her children and his dearest grandchildren Dr. Tyler Robinson, Dr. Trevor Robinson (Justin Pope) and Tanya Robinson. Daughter Sylvia Lang (Merkac) and her husband Steve Lang. Their children and his devoted grandchildren Denise Lang, Michael Lang and Nicole Lang. Great-grandchildren (Denise Lang) Meadow and Micah Forsyth. Daughter Linda Merkac. Her children and his dearest grandchildren Kurtis, Alyssa and Mitch Paddison. Son Greg Merkac and his wife Laura Merkac. Children and his beloved grandchildren Sierra, Gabriel, Gavin, Isabella and Michelle. Son Justin Merkac and his wife Pamela Merkac. Their children and devoted grandchildren Devin, Zion and Justus Merkac. Gabe was born in Sele Yugoslavia, (now Slovenia) into a family of seven children. He immigrated to Canada as a young man with only a small suitcase and could not speak English. He met the love of his life Ronny Garrels, married, and they built a wonderful life together. He started a successful small business, built his own home in Mitchells Corners and a cottage near Maynooth, Ontario. Gabe and Ronny ran a repair business of large appliances for many years and worked together tirelessly to ensure it's success. When the girls were young, they helped him put an addition on the house for a garage, three bedrooms and another bathroom for their growing family. We needed more room in the family home as mum was expecting Justin and we already had seven of us living in a three-bedroom house. Gabe and Ronny were married almost 65 years, an amazing milestone! Gabe volunteered in many organizations including soccer, baseball, hockey as well as the local Boy Scouts organization. He put his two boys in competitive hockey and travelled all over Canada and even into the US to compete. When a firehall opened in Courtice, Gabe trained and became a volunteer firefighter. He served for many years with a dedicated team. He also was involved in building the rectory and church at St Therese's parish when it arrived in Courtice. Gabe's interests and pastimes over the years included collecting and repairing pocket watches and clocks, working on his model T car and spending time at the family cottage with his large family. He could not sit still and was constantly puttering with something and was very proud when he managed to fix the item. Poppa was very proud of his children, grandchildren, foster grandchildren and great- grandchildren and all their accomplishments. He loved to spend time with them listening to what they were up to and telling stories about the past. He was a jokester and would shake with laughter sometimes while telling stories. Gabe was very knowledgeable and was the go-to person for advice on how to repair anything. In later years, he often supervised others to ensure things were done properly and to his specifications. Our Dad will be remembered for his great sense of humour, regular advice, ability to fix anything he set his mind to and dedication to his family. He will be held close in our hearts, always loved, and never forgotten. The family appreciates all your support during this difficult time. Visitation and the Service will be at the Courtice Funeral Chapel, 1587 Hwy 2 Courtice ON. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. On Wednesday, December 28, 2022, there will be visitation from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. with the Service immediately following at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Clarington Fire Hall #4's charity of choice: "The Clarington Project" Or Scouts Canada 27th Oshawa Scout Group or your Local Group. PERRY, Stephen John ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ Peacefully passed away, with family by his side, on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at the age of 67. Beloved husband of Janis. Loving father of David (Lauren) Perry, Mathew Perry, the late Christopher Perry, and Lindsey (Sean) Hewlett. Cherished grandfather of Christopher, Caiden, Cameron, Abigail, and Jonas. Dear brother of Lisa Perry and son-in-law of Ann Selleck. Predeceased by his parents Jack and Shirley Perry. Stephen was the President of Perry Mechanical Inc. He was a devoted business and community man. He was a contributor to the Durham Regional Cancer Centre and was an integral part of the team raising funds towards building the centre. He was also Past President of the Rotary Club of Oshawa. Thank you to the doctors and nurses in the Lakeridge Critical Care Unit for their care and compassion. A Private Family Service will take place. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Lakeridge Health Foundation or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.armstrongfh.ca PORTER (nee McEwan), Mary ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ In her 85th year passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at Lakeridge Health Ajax/ Pickering surrounded by family. She leaves behind her husband of 63 years, Stephen Porter. Mary is predeceased by both her brothers, Jim and Thomas. She will be missed dearly by her sons, Stephen Porter (Lorna), and Ian Porter (Heather). Mary will be fondly remembered by her many grandchildren, Andrew Porter, Alastair Porter (Erika), Ian Porter (Laura), Meaghan Porter (Connor), Kayla Porter, and Owen Porter (Daniela). Mary was a proud great- grandmother to Nathan, Everleigh, Ilyra, Morgan, Jack, Liam, and Alex. Dearly missed by her sister in-law Jean Mooney (John). Mourned by her many nieces and nephews in Canada and abroad. Special thank you to Dr. Gertler for his time and effort and Lakeridge Health Foundation. Services will be held on Friday December 23rd at the Oshawa Funeral Home. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 10:30 a.m. Donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Lakeridge Health Foundation. WELLS, Stanley P ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ Passed away peacefully with family by his side at Lakeridge Health, Oshawa on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. Stan, in his 72nd year, is survived by his beloved wife Gloria (née Debonis). Cherished father of Jennifer (Paul), Stephanie, Vikki (Ron Pye), and Jason (Amy). Proud Grandpa of Megan, Matthew (Kyleah), Emma, Mason, Maddin, Jaime, Austin, Eliott, Jude, Calla, and Great- Grandpa of Grayson. He is survived by his siblings Karen (Peter), Allan, Christine (David), and Kimberly. Predeceased by his parents Jack and Jackie Wells, his brother & best friend John (survived by Robin), and his son-in-law Mike Thom. Stanley's was very proud to coach hockey for the Ontario Minor Hockey Association for 17 years, he also coached baseball in Scarborough for many years, his two favourite sports. Memorial visitation was held at Mount Lawn Funeral Home, 21 Garrard Road, Whitby (905-443-3376). If desired, memorial donations the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences may be made through the funeral home or online at www.mountlawn.ca OBITUARIES | REMEMBERING THE LIVES OF THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITY There is a link death cannot sever, love and remembrance last forever. A loving person, so gentle and kind; what a wonderful memory you left behind. Long days, long nights, you bore your pain. To wait for a cure, but all in vain. Till God Himself knew what was best. He took you home and gave you rest. 1-800-263-6480 classifieds@metroland.comCLASSIFIEDS OBITUARIES | ANNOUNCEMENTS | JOBS | MARKETPLACE