Obituary of Carolyn Merrick

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carolyn Merrick, long-time resident of Pouce Coupe, British Columbia, On Thursday, October 21, 2021, at the age of 61 years. 

Carolyn May Merrick (Nee Wards) February 21, 1960 - October 21, 2021, Carolyn was born in Powell River, BC to Richard and Mary Wards. Carolyn was one of a large family and grew up riding bikes, playing ball, and swimming in the ocean with her friends and siblings. She loved animals and would bring home strays and sneak them into the house. In 1976, the family moved to Clinton BC and a few years later, on to Pouce Coupe. Carolyn met Gordon (Red) Merrick in spring of 1978 and they married May 5 1979. Their first child was born in 1984, and they moved from Pouce Coupe to a farm in the Landry area shortly afterwards. Their second and third children came along in 1986 and 1989. Carolyn stayed home raising her children and working on the farm until 2002, when she took a part time position at Zellers. She worked the early morning shift stocking shelves and unloading deliveries and made great friends working there. Carolyn loved music and took great delight in attending concerts. She was a devoted fan of both Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles and could tell you every word of every song in the order of appearance on Rumours. She loved baseball, and watched ball games, curling, golf and figure skating at every opportunity. Bowling was an important part of Carolyn’s life, she bowled 5 pin in the coffee, spring and mixed leagues for many years, and until her kids were grown, she was at the bowling alley at least once a week for her own bowling and then again on the weekend for all the kids. In 2010, Carolyn became grandmother and thus began the era of ‘Nana’. She was a devoted grandmother, and a central figure in her grandchildren’s lives. Nana taught her grandchildren how to catch a ball, how to dance, how to blow bubbles in their milk. If Nana was there, she was the most popular person in the room. She cared deeply about her community and was a member of the Pouce Coupe Community Foundation, the Pouce Coupe Historical Society and the Pouce Coupe Seniors Association. She was almost guaranteed to be found documenting and volunteering at events, frequently with a grandchild in tow. In almost every photograph of her, Carolyn is laughing. When you were with her, you were guaranteed to feel the enthusiasm she took in life, and she lived her life full throttle open. Carolyn is predeceased by her parents and brother Dennis and sister Sandra. She is survived by her husband Red, children Hannah (Kenneth), Sarah (Chris) and Richard, and grandchildren Jacob, Dot, Lizzie and Thomas and her siblings Michael(Flor), Patricia, Christina(Devon), Wendy(Brad), Tony(Lietha), Lorene(Steve), Angela and Candace(James).

A Celebration of Life for Carolyn will be held at a later date.  For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Carolyn to the Kordyban Lodge, 1100 Alward St, Prince George, BC V2M 7B1.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium