In Memory of

Victoria

Catherine

"Vicky"

Merryfield

(McNeil)

Obituary for Victoria Catherine "Vicky" Merryfield (McNeil)

MERRYFIELD, Victoria Catherine (McNeil)
Dec.18, 1928 – June 6, 2017
Born to Victor and Catherine (Rae) McNeil at Rush Lake, SK., a week before Christmas of 1928. Vicky’s happy early years were spent at the farms of both sets of grandparents near Arcola, SK., or with her parents in Winnipeg while her father completed two degrees at the University of Manitoba in the 1930’s. After living in various towns throughout southern Saskatchewan, her family settled in Biggar, SK., where her father was the high school principal. This is where Vicky completed high school and where she would meet her future husband, Gordon.
After high school, Vicky studied at the University of Saskatchewan at Saskatoon and Saskatoon Normal School becoming a teacher. She taught for almost 20 years. The majority of her teaching years were spent in Redvers, SK., where for a time she taught Grade One while her husband, Gordon, was Vice-Principal and her father, Victor, was the Principal. In 2013, Vicky and Gordon attended the 50 year Reunion of the 1963 Redvers High School graduating class. This was a class Vicky taught Grade One in 1951 and Gordon was their Principal and teacher in 1963.
Following retirement from teaching, Vicky immersed herself in community volunteerism: The Watrous Music Festival, Band Parents’ Association, the UCW, Watrous Tourism and Economic Development, and Curling. Her dedication to Watrous and Saskatchewan led to her being named Watrous Citizen of the Year and being awarded the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2000.
Curling was a special passion. Vicky was a competitive curler (runner-up Provincial Senior Ladies’ – 1992), Past-President of the SK. Ladies Curling Association (1986-1987), SK. Representative to the Canadian Ladies Curling Association (1985-1988), and Historian SK. Curling Association (1997-2000), authored a book “50 Years of Womens’ Curling in Saskatchewan”, and was inducted into the SK. Legends of Curling.
Vicky and Gordon relished 60 plus years of marriage, 50 years of cottaging at White Bear Lake, extensive travel thoughout North America, Europe and Africa, and countless joyous occasions spent with family and wonderful friends, often with Vicky playing the piano and Gordon nearby singing.
Vicky was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Gordon, (2015) and her dear sister, Merlice (1978). She is survived by two brothers: Ray (Ivy) of Redvers, SK., and Don (Yvonne) of Weyburn, SK., and three children: Meridyth (Paul Schweitzer), Mark (Ross McKean) and Michael.
Both Vicky and Gordon were interred by The Reverend Karl Shin on Monday, June 12, 2017 at Watrous Cemetary on an idyllic, prairie day. A public reception followed at the Watrous Curling Club. Donations in her memory can be made to the Watrous and Manitou Beach Heritage Centre.