Kimberly Ellen Ward-Merkl

Kimberly Ellen Ward-Merkl

July 14, 1956 – March 28, 2018

 Surrounded by her devoted family, our beloved Kim peacefully passed away at her home on Netley Creek. Our hearts are broken.

Kim leaves to mourn her life-partner, Tony, her children Erin and Connor, her mother Shirley, mother-in-law Eleanor, numerous members of the Ward, Merkl, Lamblin, and Fortney families, as well as many dear friends. She was predeceased by baby Tommy, her father Derrol, her brother Derrol, and grandparents Rita and Pierre Lamblin and Ellen and Horace Ward.

Kim was a remarkable spirit whose loving heart touched all who knew her. Her passionate love of nature, which began in her youth during summers at the family cabin at Wallace Lake, inspired her to pursue education and work in natural resources. It was during her first job working at Lake Nutimik, that she met Tony and later went on to earn her B.A. in Environmental Studies. Kim's life-long passion was fishing, and she loved being out on a boat or the ice, spending time with her friends and family. Kim's love of flowers as well as her incredible artistic talents blossomed into opening a floral decorating business, Balloon Send-say-tions, with her brother David. Her next adventure was motherhood, which Kim embraced wholeheartedly, becoming a devoted parent to Erin and Connor, encouraging and nurturing them in all that they did. Kim was so proud of her household and family, and created a welcoming “Home Sweet Home” filled with beloved pets and country antiques that she adored collecting. Kim had a special connection with the elderly, and while raising her children she completed her diploma to become a Support Service Coordinator in Group Living, working to bring enrichment and happiness to many Interlake seniors. Kim's motto was “Live, Love, and Laugh” and that is how she lived her life, facing all challenges with joy, compassion, and an invincible spirit. Kim's laughter, her gentle nature, tender heart, generous soul, creativity, warmth, and love will be missed by so many.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Allison Cass, Tony's sister and Erin and Connor's beloved aunt, for her tender nursing of Kim at the end of her courageous journey, helping to bring her peace during our final goodbyes.

As per Kim’s wishes there will be no formal funeral, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations to CancerCare Manitoba will be accepted at the Celebration of Life which will be held on Thursday April 19th at  the Selkirk Recreational Complex in the Banquet Hall. Doors open at 3:00 pm, service to begin at 3:30 pm.

Don’t cry for me, I’m not gone.

My soul is at rest, My heart lives on.

Light a candle for me to see,

and hold onto my memory,

but save your tears for I’m still here,

by your side through the years.

Condolences, pictures and videos can be left on Kim's tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kimberly Ellen Ward-Merkl, please visit our floral store.