DARBY, Merson
October 11, 1926 - February 6, 2014
A former long-time resident of North Vancouver, B.C., Merson passed away, peacefully at the age of 87, in Nanaimo, B.C, his home for the past 12 years. Born in the rugged north of Whitehorse, Yukon, Merson moved with his parents to Basingstoke, England at the age of three.
After serving in the British Army at the end of the Second World War, he began his apprenticeship as a telephone installer with GPO Engineering and later Royal Signals in England. His love of travelling and adventure led him back to Canada and a 30 year career with BC Telephone, until his retirement in 1987.
Merson will be fondly remembered for his remarkable carving skills, along with a love of sailing and fishing, and the ability to build or fix anything.
Predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Diana (1999), and parents Frank and Maude Darby. Merson will be greatly missed by sons, Howard (Whitney), and Barry (Darlene); grandsons, Connor and Ryan; granddaughters, Erin and Kaitlyn; and brother, Norman (Janet); as well as other family and friends.
Merson's family would like to thank the staff of Astoria at Origin, Nanaimo for their care and kindness, as well as the support and friendship provided by the staff and residents at Berwick on the Lake where he had previously resided.
At Merson's request, his ashes will be returned to North Vancouver to be with those of his wife, Diana, in a small family memorial.