Merton Alvin Hambly
1933 – 2025
The family of Merton Alvin Hambly is saddened, but with a measure of relief, to announce that “Mert” died peacefully in his 92nd year, a week after suffering a debilitating stroke.
Merton was born July 4th, 1933 in Wiarton, Ontario to Alvin and Marie Hambly. His parents moved to Dundas when he was a young boy where he attended school and played goalie for hockey and lacrosse teams.
Mert met the love of his life, Evelyn, on a blind date in Grimsby. Love blossomed as they sped off in his Morris Minor toward what turned out to be a 73 year long journey.
Mert joined his father at Hambly Construction, building custom family homes and buildings in the Dundas area. He then followed his dream and started his own fibreglass manufacturing business creating unique motor homes and various truck parts. He was a creative wood craftsman constructing grandmother clocks, furniture, and artistic pieces for special people in his life.
Mert was always willing to help and if he saw something needed doing, he got it done. He filled many roles at St. Paul’s United Church, was a charter member and multi-year president of the Greensville Optimist Club, and established the Dundas Modular Railway Club. He found time to host Hobbyfest, the church Breakfast Club, and Robbie Burns night among his many, many other activities. In recent years, Mert looked forward to his weekly coffee chats with his Optimist and Train Club friends. He was a Formula One car racing enthusiast. There wasn’t much he didn’t know about it, from building the cars to racing strategy.
Merton is survived by his wife, Evelyn, children Cindy (Bill) and Craig (Jennifer), grandchildren Victoria (Stephen), Spencer, Derek (Haley), Kent (Emma), and Riley (Kenna), great-grandchildren Henry and Charlotte. He is pre-deceased by his sister, Dorothy Marie Allan (Robert).
Mert’s family wish to express their sincere appreciation to the caring and empathetic health care teams at Hamilton General and St. Peter’s Palliative Care Hospitals.
A funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s United Church in Dundas on Friday, April 11th, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the church parlour.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity close to your heart.
My deepest condolences to your family. It was my pleasure taking care of “Mert” in his time of need. Even though it was a short time your family remains in my thoughts through this difficult time.
Dear Evelyn,
So sorry to learn that Mert has died.
I’m thinking of you and, of course, the close friendship you two had with my Mum and Dad.
My parents held you both in highest regard, and it was easy to see why: two people with intelligence, energy, inner joy and determination who show up for the common good. I know they were always happy in your presence.
Lyne joins me in sending our condolences to you and your family and to everyone who loved Mert.
Ian
Dear Evelyn and family.
Wendy and I are so sorry to hear of Mert’s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Love.
Patsy and Wendy Orr
I only knew Mert through the Dundas Model Railway, where he waqs superintendant for many years. He is one of those people you won’t forget for the rest of your life, because he was the kindest and most helpful person you can imagine.
My heartfelt condolences to Evelyn and the family.
Jules van Bregt.
Mert was loved in the Model Railway community. He will be missed in our community, as well as all the other communties that he touched.
Dear Evelyn and family. My deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of Mert. I have many fond memories of working with him at the train club and thought of him often as I drive by your complex every day. I sure he will be up in heaven trying to start a train club up there especially with members of the train club that passed before Mert.
Dear Evelyn and family
Peter and I send our deepest condolences and please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Shirley and Peter Arnold
Dear Evelyn and family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Mert, a remarkable man who lived a kind and generous life. He also left a wonderful family that has been very welcoming to our family since we arrived in the Hamilton area. You were all very fortunate to have had him in your lives. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Bill Hopton and Joyce Kalsen
Sincere condolences from the Greenberg family.
Evelyn, Cindy, Craig and Families the loss of Mert will be felt by us as we remember all our Special dinners and family get togethers. Merts picture perfectly shows the twinkle in his eyes and his kind smile. We will miss him dearly. May you all find peace in the love he had for all of you. Love Dave & Betty
Dear Evelyn & family,
Tom & I and our children will miss Mert who we met at St. Paul’s Church over 30 years ago. We enjoyed the Optimist dinners and train club displays. Brandon reminded me how Mert made violins for him & his sister. Bless you all.
Our sincere condolences Evelyn and family. Mert was a person who gave of himself to benefit others, not for the recognition but for the sure joy of sharing his many talents and energy. When we enter St. Paul’s we are struck by the many contributions he made over the years.
Dear Ev:
I, and on behalf of Jay and Gabrielle, send our deepest condolences. Mert was a wonderful man. I am very blessed to have had you and Mert as special friends over the past many years. One of many memories of Mert was how he came to help my young son with a building project for school He was caring. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
With Love,
Ina Pearl
Art and I send our thoughts and prayers to Evelyn and the family on the passing of Mert. Mert was always so kind and giving to us over the many many years we have known him. We will miss him.
Dearest Ev & Family,
Our hearts break with your hearts… We are so very sorry about the loss of your beloved Mert.
One of our fondest memories of Mert was when we came to know of a little boy who was suffering from a family crisis one December and all he wanted for Christmas was a train set… Mert made his wish come true with the help of the Dundas Train Club!
Thank you, Mert, for all the love you have given to so many! You will always be remembered… Now rest in peace in the loving arms of Jesus…
With our love & in sympathy,
Liz & Doug
To Evelyn and the Hambly family.
Brian and I were saddened to learn of your deep loss at the passing of Mert, truly a man of honour and profound goodness. His endless list of kindnesses given with a pure heart pave the way for his noble spirit as he proceeds on an eternal journey to his Lord. Our prayers accompany him, and are offered too for your comfort in this sad time.
Your neighbours,
Brian and Pat Cameron
Dear Evelyn, I was so sorry to hear that Mert had had such a serious stroke but thankful that he passed peacefully at the end. He had a long and productive life with you and your family and it was good to hear all he had done himself and with you during your 71 years together. It is hard to lose a loving partner but think of the memories you will have of those years. May your faith comfort you, and your family and friends surround you with their love as you continue on.
With understanding and sincere sympathy,
Pam Daniels
our deepest condolences Evelyn and family Pat and Rick Anderson, Jennie and Jamie
A really lovely gentleman. He will be missed.
Thinking of you Evelyn and family in the loss of Mert Hambly.
He was the older brother of his sister Dorothy, my dear school friend!
I’m sorry I can’t attend the funeral on Friday!
My deepest condolences!
Sending my deepest condolences to Evelyn and family. Keeping you in my prayers.
Heather Hudson (Ferries)
Dear Evelyn and family. I am so sorry to hear of Mert’s passing. I so enjoyed our visit last year at your place, meeting Mert and seeing you after all of these years (since grade 2). Again, my deepest condolences.
It was an honor knowing Mert. His kindness and knowledge was appreciated by many people. He will surely be missed.
Mert will be so missed by his family, friends and his Optimists. He spearheaded building the trailer and helped save Webster’s Falls bridge. He was the heart and soul of that organization. We will never forget Mert’s kindness to everyone and especially those who needed those meetings. When our father could not attend, Mert brought the Optimist coffee meetings to him. This meant the world to him and gave him something to carry on. We are forever grateful to this wonderful man.
I always was happy to see Mert show up at the legion. Everybody loved him and he always had an interesting story to tell. His presence will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Mert.