Mervin Michael Bodnarchuk
September 22, 1950 – September 2, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mervin Michael Bodnarchuk on September 2, 2026, just a few weeks shy of his 76th birthday.

Mervin was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, and grew up in Binscarth, Manitoba. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Mary Bodnarchuk, and his sisters Charlene Bodnarchuk and Marlette Henson (Frank).

He is survived by his children, Marni Carvalho (Luis), Michelle Ramsay (Chris), and Michael Bodnarchuk; his beloved grandchildren, James and Olivia; his sister Elaine Taylor (Keith); his brother Greg Bodnarchuk (Kathleen); several nieces and nephews; and many extended family members.

He is also remembered with love by Patti, his former wife of 32 years and longtime friend. They met at a Winnipeg Blue Bombers game in 1974, were married in 1975, and remained close throughout his life. Patti was with him during his final hours.

Mervin was, in every sense, larger than life.

He had a big personality, a big booming voice, and an even bigger collection of stories. You often heard Mervin before you saw him, and he wouldn't have had it any other way. He loved being around people, could strike up a conversation with absolutely anyone, anywhere, and was a salesman through and through. He was sharp, charismatic and rarely one to blend into the background.

Sports were one of the great passions of Mervin's life. He loved hockey, football, curling and baseball, and remained a devoted Winnipeg Jets and Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan.

Hockey was a big part of Mervin's own life. He played centre for the Russell Rams and the Churchbridge Imperials, where he was known as a top goal scorer and one of the toughest players on the ice. Over the years, he gave back to the hockey community by organizing hundreds of exhibition hockey games featuring former NHL legends versus local players.

His athletic accomplishments extended beyond hockey. He quarterbacked the Russell Major Pratt Trojan’s High School football team through an undefeated season, an accomplishment that earned him and the team a place in the Manitoba Football Hall of Fame.

He later co-founded the first professional curling league, while playing lead for the Anaheim Earthquake. At the time; he was a controversial thinker in the sport, Mervin’s idea broke barriers and pioneered changes to competitive curling.

Tough as nails and fiercely competitive, Mervin played every game the same way he lived much of his life, with determination, intensity and heart.

As much as he loved sports, nothing mattered more to Mervin than his family. He loved them fiercely and was protective of the people he cared about most.

Mervin loved each of his children deeply and was so proud of them in different ways. Marni was a constant source of care and support, especially through his later years, and became his primary caregiver as his health declined. He was immensely proud of Michelle and her professional accomplishments and loved sharing in her successes. Michael, his only son, held a special place in his heart. Their relationship was strong and spirited, and through all of life’s differences, Mervin’s love for Michael was unwavering.

He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren, James and Olivia. He rarely missed an opportunity to watch James play hockey, and after a game there was a good chance James would hear, “You skated good, Cub.” Whenever Olivia walked into a room, Mervin beamed with pride. He loved watching her sing and dance, and greeted her with his familiar, “There’s my Chickadee.” He was always proud to say he had “nicknamed them good”, fitting for a man who had a nickname of his own and often referred to himself as the “Majik Man.”

Mervin knew how to enjoy life. He loved a great prime rib or lobster dinner, a glass of red wine, Grand Marnier, or a Coors Light and Clamato, preferably followed by chocolate or ice cream. He loved warmth and sunshine and treasured trips to places like Hawaii, the Bahamas and California.

He was always a sharp dresser and appreciated a good night out, especially if it involved a sporting event or live music. Over the years, he loved seeing artists including Johnny Reid, Elton John, Burton Cummings, Kenny Rogers, The Guess Who and Garth Brooks.

The last decade of Mervin's life brought significant health challenges, but giving up was never in his nature. He faced each setback with strength and determination and continued to fight right until the end; he was a true warrior.

On his final day, Mervin was surrounded by his family. They shared stories, said their goodbyes, laughed, cried and made sure he knew just how deeply he was loved. He passed away peacefully, with the people who mattered most close by his side.

Mervin filled a room. He made people laugh. He told great stories, sometimes more than once, and he had an unmistakable presence that will be impossible to replace.

For those who knew and loved him, there will always be a Mervin story to tell. And somehow, that feels exactly right for a man who loved telling them himself.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

 The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all the staff at Royal Columbian Hospital and Victoria Heights for the care, compassion, and kindness shown to Mervin and his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mervin’s honor to the BC Diabetes Foundation www.bcdiabetes.org or the Heart & Stroke Foundation www.heartandstroke.ca

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends once arrangements have been finalized.