MERLIN LITCHFIELD

1947 - 2010

Merlin Dee Litchfield passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at the Taber Long Term Care on Friday, December 3, 2010 at the age of 63 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. and at the church prior to the funeral service on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 between 9:30 A.M. and 10:40 A.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. with Bishop Mark Baldry conducting. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden.
Besides his loving wife Debbie, Merlin is survived by their children Dusty (Jennifer) of Lethbridge, Mardy (Charlotte) of Bournemouth, England, Lara of Edmonton, Jordy (Cassandra) of Lethbridge and Bryan of Taber. Merlin was a loving grandfather to Raven and August. He is also survived by his siblings Linda Jean (Wren) Atwood, Rita (Bill) Toone, Ardyth (Randy) Erickson, LeRon (Patsy) Litchfield, Christine (Ken) Proskow and their families. He will be fondly remembered by his mother-in-law Dawn Sommerfeld and Debbie’s entire family.
He was predeceased by his parents and father-in-law Alfred Sommerfeld of Creston, British Columbia.
Merlin was born to Linden and Myrtle Litchfield on February 17, 1947 in Taber, the second of six children. He grew up on the farm working alongside his father, brother and uncle. Merlin’s love of farming, ranching and horses continued to his final days. He served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in southern France and looked back on that time with great fondness. Merlin loved being a missionary and made many friendships that have lasted a lifetime. After his mission Merlin continued to work on the farm while attending the University of Lethbridge where he met his love, Debbie Sommerfeld. They were married May 27, 1978 in Cardston and raised five children in Taber with regular trips out to the farm and to the mountains. Merlin loved people and was always active in his community. Whether it be with his church, his children's sports teams or politics, he was always involved.
Merlin struggled with his health and was diagnosed with multiple systems atrophy. As the disease slowly progressed he fought to continue on with life to its fullest. Merlin loved his children and grandchildren and was always bragging about their accomplishments and showing off their pictures. In the end his happiest and most alert moments were the times he shared with them. Merlin loved and was loved by many.