MERKEL
Larry

1945 - 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Father and Papa, Mr. Larry Merkel on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Red Deer, Alberta at the age of 77 years. Larry was born in Drumheller, Alberta, and was the eldest son of Emil and Herta Merkel. Larry was raised on the family farmstead with his two siblings, Brian, and Darryl. Larry began his love for farming at the tender age of 8 years, where he began milking cows and performing other farm chores, and this is where his strong work ethic was instilled. After graduating high school in 1963, Larry ventured to Chicago, Illinois to attend a technical institute to learn how to operate and repair heavy equipment, which provided necessary skills to help out on the family farm. After working in farming for a few years Larry wanted to work in the construction industry, so his young family moved to Okotoks, Alberta, and he became involved with building apartment complexes and houses in Calgary, Alberta. With the onset of the early 1980s, Larry continued with his passion of working on the oil rigs from when he was younger. Larry worked as a driller and later was promoted to a tool push with Can-Tex Drilling and Exploration. His real passions were working in the farming and oil rig industries. After retiring from the oil rigs, Larry focused his energy on another passion where he became a successful investor in the stock and futures markets. Larry was an avid outdoor enthusiast, where he enjoyed fly fishing, camping, and hunting. He also loved sports, especially hockey and softball, which he played with the Okotoks Oldtimers. Larry also loved watching the New Zealand All Blacks play in the National Rugby League. He also enjoyed leisure time at the beaches and local swimming pools soaking up the sun. Larry was a gifted problem solver, and he had an amazing talent for fixing anything from a Caterpillar D8, a drilling rig that froze up at minus 60 degrees Celsius, or any problem that life could throw at him. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, words of encouragement and strong work ethic as he was still doing 245 pushups every other day. His joy was spending time with his family. With his terrific sense of humor and soft heart for his grandchildren, he would join them in getting a temporary tattoo. Larry is survived by his three sons; Gary (Radya), Derek and Bret (Patti); and their mother Mae; along with his grandchildren, Sophia, Zayn, Cody, Ryan, Joel, Sidney, and Ty.
Larry’s motto was “the only thing stopping you from doing anything in life is fear”.
Thank you, Dad, and Papa, for everything you did for us and the knowledge and wisdom you shared. We will miss you dearly. Farewell.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

STARK
Murray Hugh

December 20, 1947 - August 14, 2023

It is with great sadness the family of Murray Hugh Stark wishes to announce his peaceful passing in Lacombe, Alberta at the age of 75. After a long and challenging battle with cancer along with many health issues, Murray was granted his peace.
Murray is survived by his loving wife Kathy of 39 years. He was a loving father to his daughters Amanda (son-in-law Kyle) Leah (Andrew) and Kayley (son-in-law Stuart). His grandchildren Carter, Eve, Kennedy, Easton, Kaycie, Talon and Rachael all held a special place in his heart. He is also affectionately remembered by his sister Beverly and brother-in-law Richard Girouard of Calgary.
Murray was predeceased by his loving mother Leona Mayme Pearl Stark in 2001 and his father James Murray Stark in 1988.
On December 20th, 1947 Murray Hugh Stark came into this world.
He had a fascination with automobiles from a young age, at the ripe age of 3 he put the families first gas powered car through the kitchen wall, while trying to get his mom to the hospital to deliver his baby sister Beverly. He went on to be a protective and loving big brother to his sister.
Murray met his wife Kathy and they married in the fall of 1983. Together they built a beautiful life together. In 1988 Murray and Kathy moved their family to Rosedale to get away from the busy city life. Murray went to work at Sharp’s Pontiac, where he worked hard to provide for his family. If he wasn’t working, he was running drills at the fire department and always ready to offer his help in community events.
By trade he was a mechanic and in 1993 began Valley Towing where he was able to use his talent for helping others by being a saviour for those who were stranded on cold winter nights or locked out of their vehicles in the summer heat. Not many calls were ever turned down by Murray no matter what time of day or night or the weather conditions.
Murray had many hobbies over the years from mechanics, building birdhouses, building ice skating rinks and sandboxes, fishing, curling, golfing, quadding, camping and in his later years discovered his talent for art and acrylic painting.
Murray loved to tinker in his garage and to sum it up, if Grandpa can’t fix it, no one can. Murray spent quite a few summers camping all over Alberta with his family and enjoyed boating, campfires, playing cards and many family activities.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff, Dr. Prins and the EMS paramedics who assisted in his transfers.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family has asked that you extend a kindness to another person as a tribute to Murray’s kind and compassionate nature.