MERRICK, John Patrick UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION

February 19, 1954 — December 13, 2024

We regret to announce the passing of John Patrick Merrick on December 13, 2024, at 70 yrs.

You left us on December 13, 2024. Where you are now is a much better place than where you were.

You will be missed dearly, and your presence will always be felt, John.

John was known for being goofy, fun, loving, kind, sweet, and compassionate.  He was a musician at heart, and his sense of humour was second to none. His many voice impersonations and parody song lyrics run forever in our minds, we can hear them still.

His siblings will tell you of his caring, compassionate side, that he was kind to animals, and that he always had a sense of adventure. John’s charisma carried him through life, and he could win you over with his smile. Go anywhere with him and you’d see that. He had a way of relating to you that broke the ice and made you feel at home.  Despite differences and struggles as a family, they loved each other deeply and John cherished each of his siblings.

He led his life unapologetically and created a home wherever he went. He could sell ice to Eskimos. And, he could land in the middle of nowhere and, later that afternoon, have himself set up with a project to work on, tools, a vehicle, and of course, a cheque in hand.

His ability to work and put on stucco wire was unmatched in his day. He was known as “one of the best” from far and wide.

He loved porridge, coffee (a triple-triple) and “Has n Daz” as he put it.  Yes, Haagen Dazs ice cream, strawberry. Skor chocolate bars (in the freezer) – he’d savour them. He had a thing for chicken wings and loved Greek food. His favourite beer was MGD and he liked his scotch.

John’s good looks, smile, and his blue eyes always had him in the company of beautiful women, good or bad.  He was a lady’s man.

He loved music and sound. He was a non-stop thigh drummer. If you’ve been in a vehicle with John, you know.

His one true love was guitar. From the time he was young, he played every chance he got. He had numerous guitars throughout his life. He made beautiful music with his fingers. I can still see his hand forming notes on the strings. Whoever was around when he was playing was blessed to hear him.

He is truly one of the ones that got away. “A Great.”  He should’ve been under the big lights playing for the world.  There were times when John would play, and it seemed he’d slip into a trance.  The way he would string together beautiful melodies mixed with leading moments and rhythm sections was truly amazing. I know for all who loved him, whenever we hear a guitar we will think of John.

He was a child of Margaret Cote (née Winsor, Merrick) and John Merrick. Both have passed on.

John leaves behind a wealth of love, including his children, Silas (Kate) Merrick and Chelsea (Drew) Hassler; grandchildren, Silvanas, Avery, Dillon, and Peyton; siblings, David (Heather) Merrick, Darlene Wolfe, Albert Merrick, Tim (Pam) Cote, Don (Sarah) Cote, and Wendee (Tim) Preston; along with his many nieces and nephews – too many to list.  John has a very large family, and many loved and cared for him deeply.  They will miss him.

John, Jackie, Jack, Brother, Dad, Uncle John, Gruncle John, and Grampa JJ are names he responded to throughout his life.

John was a lone wolf, his want for adventure would take him many places in life, and he lived to the extreme. His search for the next scene was always looming. Even though he enjoyed the comforts of home, no matter where that was, it seemed he preferred the journey to somewhere different.

Your carefree, kind, and mystic personality will live forever in our memories and our hearts, John.

As John would say:
“Goats legs!”
“light and airy, not to scary eh”
“Oh boy, oh girl”
“tap er cool”
“right arm! left leg”
“catch you on the flip side”

We have always loved you, Dad.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 1:00 pm, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

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