Wednesday, September 16, 2015
My mother, Ann Mertler joined Harold and Dorothy for many meals at College Park, and as Ann's son, I would join them on occasion. Harold was one of the most interesting, intelligent, well read, excellent conversationalists I have ever known. His interests and knowledge were so broad, our conversations covered many topics. Two that come to mind were the Bell of Batoche, after I had seen a documentary on CBC on it, and having worked in the north Harold knew exactly the tie between the Bell in question and the second bell in Alberta. And the second chat we had was Ty Cobb being unseated by Babe Ruth. The hit and run player being pushed aside by the new hero in baseball, the Home Run KIng.
You children and your grandchildren are better people having had a dad and grandpa like Harold in your lives.
Dementia has set in with my mother, and she has now taken up residence in a personal care home. Harold always asked how mom was doing, with absolute sincerity. She remembered Harold, when I showed her the obituary card. He was a nice man, she said. So true.
gord mertler
