Obituary of Merl Edward KRUZEL

February 19, 1940 – Kapuskasing, Ontario
December 17, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Merl Kruzel of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at the age of 80 years.

Merl was born in Kapaskasing, ON, on February 18, 1940 to Ted and Mary Kruzel. He spent his youth there until he moved away to attend Ryerson University in Toronto.  A highlight from university was in 1958-1959 when his team went undefeated and won the OIAA hockey championship.  In 2009 his hockey team was inducted into the Sports and Recreation Hall of Fame at Ryerson University.  Later, Merl continued his love of hockey by coaching at the minor league level.

After Ryerson, Merl began his life-long career at the Hudson Bay Company.  Work took him from Calgary, where he started off as a restaurant manager and then to Richmond, BC where he met his future wife, Luba at the Bay.  They married on July 17, 1971 in Vancouver and then moved to Regina and then to Ottawa.  In 1974, within a span of three years, they were blessed with three children so life became busy very quickly!  After Ottawa, work took the family back to Richmond, then to Victoria, BC and finally back to Calgary, where he eventually retired as Regional Manager of Alberta for the Hudson Bay Company.  A highlight of his career in Calgary was the 1988 Olympic Games and hosting CTV National News at the Downtown Bay.

One perk of retirement that Merl loved dearly was escaping the cold Alberta winters as a snowbird to Maui.  He spent over twenty winters there and always looked forward to connecting with his special Maui community of friends.

Merl, also affectionately known as Dido to his grandchildren, took pride in following their sports and activities. Having his grandchildren around was always a good excuse for him to indulge in a bowl of his favorite ice cream or M&M’s.

Merl was known for his love of watching MSNBC and sports.  He was fond of asking how many shopping bags did you see at the mall or does Eatons tell the Bay their business?  We will miss his sense of humour and his many anecdotes.

Merl is survived by his loving wife of forty-nine years Luba Kruzel, son Mark Kruzel (Denise) of Boulder, Colorado, daughters, Tamara Manorek (Joel) of Calgary and Tiana Kruzel of Vancouver. Also left to mourn is his sister Adele Bourne of St. Catherines and sister-in-law Vera Adams (Glenn) of Delta B.C. who was like a sister to him.  He is also survived by his four dear grandchildren, Jesse, Alex, Kaleb and Hannah; as well as his two nieces Briana and Krystyna (Alex), one grand-niece Matilda and numerous relatives and friends.

Respecting Merl’s wishes a cremation has taken place.  A private inurnment will follow at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Merl’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the charity of your choice.

In living memory of Merl Kruzel, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.