Merle Henry Cropley, resident of Grande Cache, AB, passed away at home on Thursday, June 11, 2020, at the age of 70 years.

Carmen Irene Cropley and George John Wesley Cropley welcomed their son Merle Henry Cropley into the world on April 22, 1950 in Winnipeg, MB.

The family lived in Winnipeg, and then moved to Atikokan, ON, where George found work at Steep Rock Iron Mines, Merle was 3 years old at the time.

Merle attended school from kindergarten to Grade 12 in Atikokan, and he was involved in many sports. He joined the Outers Club while in high school, and he worked the summers at Steep Rock Mines. After graduating Grade 12, he continued his education at Confederation College in Thunder Bay, ON, studying, surveying, and drafting.

Merle met the love of his life, Heather Dawn Grant in Thunder Bay in September of 1970. They were married on August 28, 1971, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Thunder Bay, by Reverend John Schmidt. They lived in Thunder Bay for 3 years before moving to Ignace, ON, where Merle worked at Mattabbi Mines. They welcomed their first child on January 28, 1975, a beautiful baby girl named Nicole.

After the mine closed in Igance, Merle was given a job offer in Grande Cache, AB, at MacIntyre Porcupine Mines. They welcomed their second beautiful child, Craig, on October 31, 1977. The Mine was then sold, and the name changed to Smoky River Coal. He then became a first-time grandfather in June of 1999. He was an immensely proud and loving grandfather of 4. Merle retired from the coal mine in 2016.

Merle played hockey and curled. He was also involved with coaching minor hockey for many years. He loved being on the lake in the Okanagan with his son and daughter in-law. He had a huge heart and would help out wherever he could. He and Heather lived in Grande Cache for almost 43 years, and made many, many long-time friends, whether it be through work, sports, or neighbours.

He was predeceased by his father in 1975, and his mother in 2001.

He will be dearly missed by his wife Heather; his children Nicole (Bill), and Craig (Kaelynne); 4 grandchildren who called him Papa: Seth, Allie, Autumn, and Aiden; as well as many extended family members and lifelong friends.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at 11:00am at Cornerstone Mountain Assembly in Grande Cache (11001 Leonard St., Grande Cache, AB).

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial donations may be made to the Grande Cache Firefighters Association (Box 128, Grande Cache, AB, T0E 0Y0).