Mervin "John" Bear
Posted Jan 8, 2024 | 9:38 AM
Mervin “John” Bear
February 8, 1933 – January 5, 2024
90 years 331 days
Mervin “John” Bear would like to let you know that his work here on Mother Earth is done. He received a call, a sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus – a reunion with family and friends he has not seen in a long time. Job security is exactly 100 percent. His new mission takes him to a wonderful place where he will be socializing, dancing, farming and gardening and reading to his heart’s content. Music, laughter and love are guaranteed. Food is delicious and you never gain an ounce. He left detailed instructions for his children, family, and friends to celebrate his Life, here on Mother Earth, which has now been completed.
Low adherence to this instruction will not be tolerated. “Don’t grieve for me” he said. “Rather, be happy that I am going to meet Creator and all my relations who have gone on ahead of me. I’m anxious to see mom and dad again. Celebrate my Life by remembering the most important lessons I have tried to pass on to you all – integrity, truthfulness, honesty, respect, hard work, and family.”
Mervin “John” Bear, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 5, 2024. His life was devoted to raising a family, caring for the land, serving his
community, and being a proud member of the Armed Forces.
John was born on February 8, 1933, on Muskoday (John Smith) Reserve to Lena (Sayese) and Walter Bear, Sr. He grew up on the family farm and attended the day school on the reserve. He left
school after grade 7 to work and help at home. To this day, he has always regretted not getting an education, but he was the smartest man I ever knew. He stressed education to his
children, and they all went on to university. At the age of 17, he went to work at a dairy farm in Southern Ontario before volunteering to join the Canadian Armed Forces. After basic
training at CFB Pettawawa, he shipped out with the Royal Canadian Artillery to serve with Canada’s forces in the Korean War from 1953-54. He retuned home and married Muriel Cecile
Joyce Bear, a marriage which would endure for 68 years, of Muskoday in 1955 and began farming. He re-enlisted in the Armed Forces in 1958 and was stationed at CFB Shilo
(Manitoba). After being discharged in 1961, the family returned to Muskoday where he began farming full time. It was tough but honest work, but John persevered and by the early 1980’s
had a successful mixed farming operation with over 130 cows and 1500 acres in crop.
John was always actively involved in the community of Muskoday, which he loved, and served several terms on Muskoday band council. John loved being on the land and continued to farm until 1997, when he decided to retire but he kept busy tinkering in the shops and garages, maintaining a large, well manicured yard and traveling with Joyce to Alaska,
Costa Rica, Texas, California, and Arizona. His greatest loves were family, farming and being a proud Aboriginal veteran.
John is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joyce of the Herb Bassett Nursing Home, sons Randy, Bryan (Charlene), Dean (Kimberly), daughter Norma (Robin) Fremont. 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Brothers Austin (Robina), Lyle (Suzy), and sister Lois.
He was predeceased by: His parents Lena and Walter Bear Sr. Brothers: Robert Henry (Bob), Colin, Hubert, Walter Jr., Bernard. Sisters: Jessie, Lavina, Nellie, Betty, Ruth, Winnie, Mary, Elaine.
Muskoday Hall Funeral service: Wednesday January 10 at 2:00 pm. @ Muskoday Hall.
Interment: John‘s remains will be cremated and interred at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to : Mackenzie Funeral Chapel 130 9th St East, Prince Albert, SK :Brian & Bev Stobbs, Mark Gyoerick, Mel Curle, Jordyn Jackobson
- Date : 2024-01-08
- Location : Prince Albert, SK