Merle Buschert

October 8, 2023, Merle Buschert (77) of Red Deer, Alberta passed away peacefully with his three daughters at his side, following a seven-month battle with cancer. 

Merle was born on November 5, 1945 in Didsbury, AB, to Ruth and Earl Buschert. His numerous sibling were Merle's first childhood friends and he maintained close relationships with them throughout his life.  After graduating high school, Merle fell in love with Linda Fischer, and the two married on September 12, 1970. Together they raised three daughters: Diane, Heather and Gina. Merle and Linda made their home in Olds, on a farm near Carstairs/Didsbury, Alix, Innisfail and the Crowsnest Pass, and Merle spent his last years in Red Deer, AB. 

When asked what sort of work he did, Merle was known to respond, "What didn't I do?" Farmer, truck driver, school bus driver, motel owner/operator. If it had wheels, he could probably drive it. If it was constructed of wood, he could build it. If it was broken, he could likely fix it. He approached every one of life's adventures in his measured, soft-spoken way, with patience, determination and hard work.  

Merle was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was an avid book worm and solver of crossword puzzles. He found joy in life's simple pleasures: listening to music and talk radio, watching sports on TV, taking lazy country drives on the scenic route, savouring a hot cup of black coffee and a slice of berry pie. Most of all, he loved getting a laugh from his endless stories. He had an amazing memory for people, names and events. If you ever met Merle, you can be sure he remembered you. And he most likely had a kind word or a story to tell from the time he spent in your company, however brief. He spent as much time as he could with his daughters and their families, and delighted in the antics, hobbies and activities of his eight grandsons and one granddaughter. 

Merle was the beloved soul mate of Linda; adored father of Diane (Alan) Wade of Red Deer, AB, Heather (Todd) Dyer of Calgary, AB and Gina (Mark) Thomsen of Red Deer, AB; dear grandfather of Jesse Roberts, Gabe Roberts, Freddie Roberts, Nathan Wade, Brody Wade, Fox Dyer, Ronan Dyer, Samuel Thomsen and Danni Thomsen.

He is survived by siblings Glen (Alice) Buschert, Elaine (Don) Gage, Cecil (Joyce) Buschert, Florence (Stewart) Fraser, Sharon Buschert and Lowell Buschert, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Merle is predeceased by his cherished wife, Linda, parents, Ruth and Earl Buschert, and sisters Rheta Buschert, Janet Buschert and Rhoda (Bob) Dean.

A celebration of life will occur with details to be determined at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Merle Buschert to the Lending Cupboard (www.lendingcupboard.ca).