Mervyn Shnider, B.Sc., M.D. died peacefully at Victoria Hospice, December 24, 2017 at the age of 91. Left to mourn are his spouse, Shirley; sons, Harold (Catherine) and Charles (Jane); and grandchildren, Andrew and Nathalie Shnider; Madeleine and Simone Northey. Mervyn is predeceased by his father, Harry; mother, Yeta; and sister, Pearl.
Mervyn was born and raised in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Following graduation from high school, he studied Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. After the death of his father, Mervyn and his family moved to Winnipeg, where he entered medical school at the University of Manitoba.
After graduation, Mervyn moved to Flin Flon, Manitoba in 1956, and practiced medicine in and around the community for almost 35 years. He married Shirley Nicholson in 1962, and both were active members of the community throughout their years in Flin Flon.
Mervyn was a respected physician in the province of Manitoba and kept current in many aspects of medicine, including anesthesia, cardiology, neo-natal care, and gerontology. He served as an outreach physician so cancer patients could receive treatment in their home community.
Mervyn retired from practice in Flin Flon in 1990, and, with Shirley, settled into a new life in Victoria. With retirement, he was able to enjoy the west coast's more temperate climate, and was a regular golfer at the Olympic View Golf Club. He was a passionate supporter of the arts and was a regular subscriber to the Victoria Symphony. More than anything, Mervyn loved being a grandfather and took great joy in watching his grandchildren grow. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to Dr. Malcolm Orr and Dr. Geoffrey Inman for their excellent ongoing care with Mervyn. The family would also like to thank the staff of the St. Charles Manor, the Douglas Care Community, and the Victoria Hospice for their care of Mervyn over the past year and a half.
A celebration of Mervyn's life will take place on February 18, 2018 at the Uplands Golf Club (2:00-4:00 PM). Donations in Mervyn's memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada (www.alzheimer.ca) or the Victoria Hospice (www.victoriahospice.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
36 Entries
Sue and I arrived in Flin Flon in July, 1972 after completing a rotating internship in Toronto. We were signed up to do a 4 month locum but stayed for 4 years! Merv had a lot to do with this. He along with Percy Johnson and other permanent physicians at the "Clinic" took the newly minted docs and honed us into skillful clinicians able to work in areas far from the tertiary centres. Merv was a terrific mentor. He encouraged continuing education so that all the key skills for the community were developed and practised. He never hesitated to come and help even if he was "off call". In fact, he came in from the Lake especially to deliver our son, Nick. In addition he and Shirley provided social support to our families. Such wonderful parties!
Merv's legacy lives on in the many medical families that had the privilege to know and work with him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Shirley and the family.
Chris and Sue Finch
Chris Finch
January 16, 2018
I remember him working in Flin Flon for years, and all I ever heard about him was that he was a Great doctor and an even better human being.
Vern Rutley
January 15, 2018
Heartfelt condolences to the Shnider family. I knew Merv as my best friend's dad, a doctor, and a fellow appreciator of Maxwell Smart. He was a gentle and patient man, who put up with my endless visits to his home as a teenager. He'll be missed.
Darin Young
January 12, 2018
Lasha Wood
January 10, 2018
Dear Shirley, I am so sorry you have lost your Mervyn. I always remember the night we shared a bottle of very nice brandy while playing pool. He was a friend. My sincere condolences at this unhappy time. Brett Davie
January 8, 2018
Deepest sympathies from all members of the Szocs family.
Greg Szocs
January 8, 2018
Harry & the Shnider family please accept our most heartfelt condolences the passing of Dr. Shnider.
Ken Stelnicki
January 7, 2018
My heart goes out to all of the Shnider family. Dr. Shnider was such a very kind man and always treated everyone, even little ones, with great respect. Such sad news.
Ron Barr
January 6, 2018
Shirley I was so sorry to here of your husband's passing, and I know the sorrow it brings. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Verna Zarowny
January 6, 2018
Dr. Shnider was the physician for all of us Neville Kids ("Pete" & Fran our parents). We all remember him, & we all loved him for his unending kindness & competent care. Sincere condolences to Shirley & family.
Vivian Neville-Shipper, Kelowna
January 6, 2018
Mrs. Shnider, Harold, & Charles and families, from the Grassl family we pass on our Hearfelt Condolences to you all. Mr. Dr. Schnider was a great doctor in Flin Flon.
George Grassl (Regina, Sk.)
George Grassl
January 6, 2018
Shirley, I was very sad to hear of the news of Dr. Shnider's passing. I feel privileged and honoured to have been able to know and work with him as a nurse for 17 years. He was a man of great dignity and integrity, with a kind, gentle, and humble spirit. He was a learner and a teacher, and with his leadership and guidance, those were exciting frontier times for us in Flin Flon. His memory will live on for all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. Warm thoughts for you and your family.
Susan Fulford
January 6, 2018
So sorry to hear about Dr. Shnider's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy for your family.
Judy and Clarence Pettersen
January 5, 2018
Shirley and family,
Sorry to hear of Merv's passing. He was such a kind, caring man. Our condolences to all of you.
Susan and Randy Schaworski
January 5, 2018
My condolences to you and your family Shirley on the loss of your husband. I recall with fondness the times I worked with him at the FFGH.
Monica Lone
January 4, 2018
Shirley. I was very saddened to see in the Winnipeg Free Press that Merv had died.As you know,he and I worked together for just two years from 1988 until you left for Victoria. I have fond memories of visiting you when you were settled in your new house. I still have many books which he left me when you moved. Merv was an outstanding physician and I learned a great deal from him,not only in clinical matters,but how to comport myself in Canada. You will recall that I came straight from the UK and was catapulted into the OR in Flin Flon with no grace period.It was very strange and he helped smooth the path.
My best wishes go out to you and your family. Gerry Clayden
gerry clayden
January 4, 2018
Condolences to the family. Dr. Shnider. I also had the privilege of working in the pharmacy at the clinic for. Such a soft spoken kind man.
Diane Harris (Ness)
January 4, 2018
Mrs Shnider and family, I had the privilege to work with your husband at FFGH, he was a great doctor and teacher! I learnt so much from him! When he retired from the hospital they were never successful finding a replacement, but their was no replacement for Dr Shnider, as he was one of a kind! I am happy that the two of you were able to enjoy some valuable years together in retirement. He will be missed by all that crossed paths in life . Sending our hugs and prayers to all of you as you go thro this difficult time.
Kim Rumak
January 4, 2018
I had the privilege of working with Dr. Shnider at FFGH. They say that no one is irreplaceable, but in his case, it was true. He was always consulted on the most difficult cases, and his dedication to his patients and to his profession was awesome. He was always eager to teach us and was a patient and kind man. My sympathies to Shirley and family
Donna Hurst
January 4, 2018
Merv was more than just a doctor, he was a friend. I first saw him when I was 14 and he was my doctor until the family moved. Prayers and hugs to the family.
Margaret Rainville
January 3, 2018
Condolences to the family. He was our Family Dr when we were young & he delivered some of my siblings. He is remembered fondly ❤
Berle Higgs-Jablonsky
January 3, 2018
Hugs to you Shirley and your families. I will remember him with a smile on his face, and a chuckle in his throat. Lorna Heuchert
January 3, 2018
To The Snider Family:
I worked with Dr. Snider in Flin Flon in 1972 to 1976. He was a great man who took the time to teach you while providing care in the Neonatal Nursery. So sorry to hear of his passing. My deepest sympathy.Bernadette (Rochon) Krawchuk
January 3, 2018
Shirley, Harold, Charles, and family, so sorry to hear of Dr. Shnider's passing. He was a great Dr. in Flin Flon and a wonderful neighbor and friend. Am thinking of you all.
Penni-Jo Gibson (Munro)
January 3, 2018
So sorry for your loss. Dr. Schneider was a wonderful doctor and member of our community. With respect, they sure don't make them like that anymore.
Connie Bassham Pruden
January 3, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all his family. He was our family doctor when I was young and later he diagnosed our son with heart disease at age 15 and had it taken care of quickly. We have much to be grateful for due to his caring and professionalism. May he RIP
Hazel Hynes (Bradt)
January 3, 2018
I was sorry to hear of merv,s passing.he was a great dr, to work with,take care Shirley,Freda edwards
January 3, 2018
Our condolences for the loss of your loved one. He will be remembered as he was in life. He was a big part of Flin Flon at one time and has many people with fond memories of him from that time.
Roy Henry
January 3, 2018
Mervyn was a wonderful Dr.FF was so lucky to have Him! Please accept my condolences.
Peggy MCKay
January 3, 2018
Shirley and Family. We were very sorry to hear of Merv's passing. He was a wonderful man and a great doctor. You were all the best neighbors. Leila and Bert Munro.
Bert Munro
January 3, 2018
He was a wonderful man and my Dr. for many years! I'm so sorry to hear of his passing.
Shelby Bonazew
January 3, 2018
Shirley and Family, We were so sorry to hear about your dear husband's passing.I (Joan) have a lot of good memories of the Shnider family. John & I are living in Letbridge. We have lived here over 10 years. Our love and hugs, Joan & John Olineck
January 3, 2018
We were so sorry to hear of Merv's passing. He was a wonderful doctor and a dear friend. Our thoughts are with you, Shirley, and your family . We send our sincere condolensces and deepest sympathy.
The Sparlings
January 3, 2018
So sorry to hear of the passing of a great physician and family man.
Gwen & Gordon Thompson
January 3, 2018
Thinking of you Shirley, Boys & Families. You have been a big part of our lives growing up and we will all miss Merv. Mom & Dad are in BC now & I know they will be seeing you soon. Warm hugs to you Shirley. Love Gaye & Gary Holly, Carrie & Wade.
Gaye & Gary Willetts
January 3, 2018
So sad to hear of Dr. Snyders passing. Was my doctor until he left Flin Flon. I always considered him more than just my doctor. I remember baby sitting out at the lake. Sincere sympathy in your loss.
Greg Ellingson
January 3, 2018
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