May 23, 1936 -September 6, 2022
There is a very large sign at the entrance to the athletic field in the Kinross Correctional Prison. It reads:
ROSS MERVYN FIELD
"Ross Mervyn, Canadian. He came into our country, into our prison and into our hearts. He taught us how to run and he taught us about giving. In return, we dedicate to him this athletic field.”
What kind of person receives such an honour in a place that on the surface may not be considered honourable? It would take a great humanitarian to understand that everyone needs a little help, and in turn they too can help. So imagine this. In your spare time, in between shifts at Algoma Steel, you run and you are fast. With that, you run several marathons, including the famed Boston Marathon, multiple times. Through this talent, Ross Mervyn brought running to the prison and changed the lives of many an inmate forever. And that was just the beginning…
This is a brief story of a simple man who did remarkable things.
On September 6, 2022 Ross completed his final marathon. It would be his toughest and most courageous. For all that he had given to others in life, dementia overtook him with no consideration to a single good deed.
Ross was born in Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario on May 23, 1936. He was the beloved son of the late Ina Moore Mervyn Kenney and the late Arthur Mervyn. Younger brother of Grant Mervyn and stepson of Noble Kenney. Devoted husband of the late Marlene. Cherished, kind and ever-loving father of Victoria Santana and Janice Mervyn. Admired father-in-law to “his two favorite Marks’” Mark Santana and Mark Gaudet. Proud Grampa of Stormer Santana, Jake, Olivia and Isabella Gaudet. Son-in-law of the late Mary and late Stefan Maskluk. Brother-in-law of the late Lillian (late Harvey) Quesnele, Paul (Anne) Maskluk, Rose (late John) Smale and the late Harry Maskluk. Uncle to many nieces and nephews of the Maskluk family.
At the young age of 4, Ross tragically lost his father. The generosity of others and the steadfast love of his mother shaped Ross and allowed him to thrive. He developed connections and friendships through shared love of sport and competition. Ross ushered many a Sault baseball team to victory from his directive perch as back-catcher. His discovery of hockey took place at the old Simpson Street ice rink behind Alex Muir public school where he tended net. During the mid 1950’s, Ross left home to pursue the adventure of junior hockey. Around 1955, he was invited to try out for the Detroit Red Wings in the fierce company of goalies Terry Sawchuk and Glenn Hall. Sawchuk got the nod.
Ross was dedicated to ensuring his mother was well supported and returned home as a young adult to be nearer to her. Later in life, long after he had hung up his skates, Ross discovered a new passion in marathon running. He devoted decades as an active and generous local community volunteer. He enjoyed connecting with others, greetings always preceded with a firm and strong handshake. He was an active member and president of the YMCA and founding member of the Sault Stryder’s Running Club.
In retirement, Ross discovered his true life’s work of public service. Remember that athletic field dedicated to him that we mentioned earlier? Ross started a running program in the prison and became a good friend with the Kinross inmates. He was deeply influenced by the stories generously entrusted to him by the inmates. These stories fueled the creation, by Ross of the impactful anti-drug program: “Do Your Own Time." Countless hours were spent, Ross at the microphone along with cameraman Paul Zin, listening to and documenting the stories the inmates felt would positively influence kids to stay straight and out of jail. Ross took to the road, throughout North America sharing this program with audiences young and old. There was an urgency to what Ross was doing, he felt that the drug epidemic was a war, and we were losing it. For his part, Ross Mervyn was not going to let this happen.
Ross received many accolades in life: SSM Medal of Merit, SSM Walk of Fame and Runner’s World’s prestigious Golden Shoe Award to name but a few.
Ross absolutely loved his special place at Batchewana where he became an avid gardener under the instruction of dear friend, Morris Palarchio. He took immense joy in the beauty of Lake Superior.
Later in life Ross experienced his own confinement with the onset of dementia. His family watched with deep sadness as his faculties slowly left him. Emblematic of Ross’s altruistic spirit he volunteered weekly at the Sault Soup Kitchen with dear friend Ray Stortini up until the week he moved into the Davey Home.
His circle of care was large and ever generous. Our family is so grateful for the loving care, kindness and compassion provided to our father every day, all through the pandemic and particularly in his final days. To the extraordinary FJDH team on Apple Orchard 3, the RPNs, PSWs, Rec Therapists, Kitchen Staff, Housekeepers we thank you for easing the daily difficulty of this painful journey. No words can possibly express the depth of our gratitude. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jennifer Patterson, Dr. Nicki Apostle, NP Lyndsay Suurna, Phil Coutu and Carrie Greer. The family also wishes to express their gratitude to the giving staff at The VON Day Away Program and the Alzheimer Society SSM.
A very special thank you to friends Ray Stortini, Ron Sonke, Jeff Monck for their years of loyal friendship and support.
He takes our love with him. He will be missed immensely...our father, our chum. xo
A private family gathering has taken place. Officiated by Pastor Nicholas Sarlo. A celebration of life to follow. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel, 492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522. Memorial contributions to the Sault Ste Marie YMCA or the FJ Davey Home Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family.
A limb has fallen from the family tree, that says grieve not for me, remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the good life I lived while I was strong. - Unknown Author
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Mervyn family.