Obituary of Mervin Farquharson

Rev. Bishop Mervin Ashburn Farquharson On Wednesday, March 3, 2010, at the Seven Oaks Hospital, Rev. Bishop Mervin Ashburn Farquharson was suddenly called home to be with his Lord and Saviour. Bishop Farquharson was born in Pepper, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on March 30, 1940, the eldest child of Verona Miller and Wilfred Farquharson who predeceased him. Mervin is survived by his loving, dedicated wife Veleta, who is also a pastor and his lifelong partner in their mission to accomplish God's work here on earth, his devoted mother Verona and brothers Rudy, Douglas, Alden, Donald and their families. He will be deeply missed by his sister-in-law Maisie, and brother-in-law George, along with his many cousins especially Neville Malcolm, nieces, nephews and godchildren. Also left to mourn his passing and to carry the torch are the pastors, officers, and members of his congregation at New Anointing Christian Fellowship (NACF), formerly Berean Church of God as well as his many colleagues in the ministry and countless friends. Bishop Farquharson immigrated to Great Britain from Jamaica in 1962 to explore opportunities. He always spoke about the difficulty of his journey there by ship, but had pleasant memories of the great fulfilment he experienced, discussing with fellow passengers the blessings of God and his faith in expecting bigger and better things from God. In Great Britain he worked as a machinist and always had an entrepreneurial spirit. There he met his sweetheart and soon to be wife Veleta who was at that time completing her nursing studies. Answering the call for skilled workers, Mervin and Veleta immigrated to Winnipeg in 1968. In addition to pursuing his career and starting a few small businesses, Mervin followed the calling of the Lord on his life to launch the Berean Church of God at Hespeler, Winnipeg in 1974. Starting with only 8 members, the church has grown over the years to a sizable, vibrant congregation. He is also the spiritual father of a congregation in Calgary. Bishop Mervin Farquharson will be remembered as a great 'people person' who smiled easily, had a good sense of humour and enjoyed a good joke with a hearty contagious laugh. He was truly a visionary, and a very kind and loving man who went the extra mile to lend a helping hand to others. He gained great satisfaction and respect from mentoring others, giving them responsibilities, and watching them flourish. He was also an ardent supporter of community initiatives becoming less directly involved in later years due to his limited mobility. His motto in life was "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me", Philippians 4:13. Rev. Veleta Farquharson and Family, as well as the NACF Church Family, wish to express our gratitude to the doctor and staff at Seven Oaks Hospital, staff at Seven Oaks Wellness Centre, Home Care and Fred Douglas Lodge for their compassionate care and support. A very special thank you also goes out to ministerial associates, friends and brethren here in Winnipeg and around the world for your prayers and support during this time of mourning. May God continue to pour out His richest blessings on you. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Public viewing will take place at the New Anointing Christian Fellowship, 1425 Manitoba Avenue, on Friday, March 12 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A celebration of Bishop Farquharson's life will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street on Saturday, March 13 at 11:00 a.m. (viewing from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.). A reception will be held at the New Anointing Christian Fellowship (Caribbean hot meal will be served), following Interment at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main Street. Husband, Son, Bishop, Pastor, Friend, you can declare with confidence, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day..." 2 Timothy 4: 7, 8 CROPO Funeral Chapel 1442 Main Street 586-8044