Mervin Dale Peters was born on September 11, 1940 to Frank and Vera Peters. He joined his older siblings Ray and Donna in the house in Bowden, with his younger brother Reg completing the family. Mervin always had strong work ethic – while he was growing up, he delivered the papers in Bowden and worked at the grocery store. He also developed a love of hockey from a young age.

Mervin finished Grade 8 in Bowden, and then went to Lindsey Thurber Comprehensive High School, living in the dorms. He chose not to complete his education at this point – moving to Calgary for a short while then returning to Bowden, On his return to Bowden, he worked at a local garage and spent time with a friend group who socialized and played sports together. This led to meeting a young teacher named Roberta Davidson, who soon became more than just a friend. Mervin’s father tragically passed in a construction accident during this time and Mervin started to shoulder responsibility in keeping his family going.

Dating Roberta also introduced Mervin to her family, who lived on a farm in the Delburne area. There was always lots of work to be done and Mervin was welcomed into the family. Mervin and Alex, Roberta’s brother, decided to race stock cars. Weekends also included working on the car, getting it ready to race, breaking the car at the race track and repeating the cycle. Mervin always had a love of fast powerful cars, and this activity was one he really enjoyed.

Mervin was employed as a school bus driver by Prairie Bus Lines. He used the opportunity to complete his high school and graduated in 1962. Mervin and Roberta were married on July 10, 1962. The young couple settled into their new home in Sylvan Lake, Corinne was born in November 1965, and Roger came along in December 1967. Mervin had begun apprenticing as a mechanic at Prairie, and completed his training in 1967.

The little family moved to the south end of Red Deer. They continued to help out at the farm when they could, and started to look at land to purchase. Having his own farm had become Mervin’s dream, and if they found land close to Roberta’s family, they knew that they would have help getting things off the ground. Initially they moved to the Jensen quarter near Roberta’s family farm, where Dale was born in 1970. In 1971 they purchased the Burnett place – 2 quarters of land with a house and some outbuildings. Mervin left Prairie, and became a full time farmer.

Barry completed the family in April 1973. Mervin was a hard worker, tending to all the tasks and keeping the farm running alongside his cherished family. He often observed that the real strength of farming with family nearby was that there was always someone to lend a hand when needed. He was very grateful to be able to work with his brothers in law.

Social activities and community were very important to Mervin as well. He always made time to spend with family and friends or to play hockey, baseball, or slow pitch. He also made sure that all of the children got to their sports, 4H, or other activities, Mervin was a firm believer in the importance of building community, and gave his time to many community organizations, including the Delburne and District Ag Society, the Delburne United Church, the REA Board, Delburne Minor Hockey, and Delburne Minor Ball.

The centre of Mervin’s life has always been children. When his own children were little, he always spent time taking care of them. He could often be found cuddling babies at community or family events. Holding each grand child and then great grandchildren when they came along was one of his greatest joys; if there was a child in the room he would rather be playing with them than spending time with the adults.

Mervin was predeceased by his father Frank Peters, and his mother Vera Peters, his brother Ray Peters, his sister in law Paula Peters, and several special cousins on his mother’s side in Saskatchewan. In-laws that predeceased him include Robert and Jenny Davidson, sister in law Mary Douglas, brother in law John Vincent and brother in law James Davidson. He was also predeceased by two great nephews.

He is survived by his loving wife Roberta and their children Corinne (Kendall), Roger (Crystal), Dale (Diane) and Barry (Rhonda).

Grandpa’s Legacy includes Cheryl and Jon (Jason, Evan, Ryan, Braden), Carol and Dain (Oliver), Curtis and Corissa (Callahan and Cassana), Shane and Shay (Hank, Hayze, and HaileyJo), Amy, Leah, Troy, Justin, and Paige.

He is also survived by his sister Donna (Donald) his brother Reg (Sheila) and many nieces/nephews, great nieces/ nephews, their spouses children, and cousins who were all very dear to him.

Mervin will always be rememberd as a strong man – physically, and mentally. As he managed his illnesses over the past few years, he was always willing to try anything that would allow him to have more quality time with his family, friends and neighbours. Mervin’s family are very grateful to all of the medical providers (doctors, nurses, therapists, specialists) who worked together to help him manage his medical conditions. His strength of belief, conviction, and his example of being an integral part of building a community will always be with his family, his Legacy, his friends and neighbours.

Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 11a.m. at the Delburne Hall, Burial and reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request that memorial donations be considered to the Delburne and District Ag Society, the Delburne United Church or the charity of the donor’s choice.

• Date : 2025-09-09
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home