Mervin Steven Negrey

November 19, 1942 - September 22, 2026

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Mervin Steven Negrey on September 22, 2026, at the age of 83.

Mervin was predeceased by his father, Dmytro Negrey, in 1968; his mother, Lena Negrey (Sluchinski), in 1994; and his sisters, Anne Hyshka, in 1986, and Sonja Negrey, in 2025, and numerous uncles and aunts. Mervin is survived by his son, Dana Negrey, and Dana's daughter, Gabrielle Negrey; his daughter, Tanya Negrey, and Tanya's daughter, Mylana Van Name; and his first cousins, Olga Krieger (Sorba) and Scott and Rick Saretzky. Tanya shared a close bond with her father and cared for him in his final years.

Merv was born in Saskatoon at City Hospital, the second child and only son of Dmytro and Lena. He grew up on their farm in the Meacham district. Growing up on the farm and in the close Ukrainian and Ukrainian Catholic community largely shaped Mervin. His culture and faith were of great importance for his life and gave him strength, comfort and joy.

Mervin attended Meacham School and was a gifted learner and student, graduating high school early and being voted "Most Likely to Succeed". He continued his education in Saskatoon by spending a year at the University of Saskatchewan and then attended Teacher's College. As a young teacher, he worked three years in three places: Fife Lake, Carmel, and Clavet. However, a teaching was a touchpoint rather than a career.

Merv got his first exposure to the world of sales when he worked as a door-to-door salesman for Fuller Brush while he was a new student in Saskatoon. When he was 24/25, Mervin worked in pharmaceutical sales for international company Cyanamid, and was soon recognized as a very bright and motivated young person. He was soon promoted to medical sales under the division of Lederle Canada. Being quick and good in science and math, Merv easily learned the required knowledge for both the pharmaceutical and then medical, specifically, surgical, supplies he represented. This was before the days of trainings and Merv learned on his own time and on the job. Merv greatly enjoyed being a surgical supply rep and having exposure to the medical world, as he had wanted to be a doctor. In the mid-80s, Mervin switched to selling Registered Education Savings Plans and did so for the rest of his career that only ended because of health. He excelled immediately in his sales work, earning numerous corporate awards and was Salesman of the Year many times.

Mervin was a highly intelligent man of many facets and talents-whose magnetic personality charmed many, everywhere we went. A consummate extrovert, he thrived on socializing and loved nothing more than a big meal and good drink surrounded by family and friends. Merv was very strong-willed, he lived fiercely, wholeheartedly, and unapologetically, never doing anything halfway or compromising who he was and what he believed. His energy and vigour for life remained with him until his last day.

He deeply valued higher education and worked long days, often followed by evenings of moonlighting and not to mention regular travel that took him away when his family was young. It was of paramount importance to give his children opportunities he had not had himself. A steadfast provider, he instilled in them a deep and steady belief that they could achieve whatever they set their minds to. He backed that belief with tireless work to support their dreams. His remarkable work ethic was matched by that of Paulette, the mother of his children, who shared his dedication to giving them every opportunity.

He taught his children to reach high while never forgetting roots, or the struggles and strengths of their Ukrainian ancestors, especially his father Dymtro, who survived Holodomor and Bolshevik invasion in Ukraine. His belief in his children and grandchildren never wavered. He loved fiercely and complexly, with all the intensity that defined him.

Mervin loved music, dancing, live theatre, and the arts. A wonderful dancer himself, he took particular pride in his children's gifts in the arts, celebrating and supporting their creative talents and pursuits.

He loved farming, especially the family farm at harvest time. He also had a passion for classic cars, particularly his treasured 1957 Ford Fairlane with its retractable hardtop, which he purchased in 1968 and restored in the 1980s. Merv could identify any part on classic cars from the 50s and 60s especially, with impressive detailed memory and knowledge.

His family will remember his unmistakable presence, his strength of conviction, and the enduring belief he gave his children in themselves and their dreams.

The family wishes to thank the staff at RUH and St. Paul's Hospital for their kindness and care over the last few years. We are especially grateful to Joyce Allado and Graceful Living Care Home where Mervin was treated like family.

Vichnaya Pamyat!

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Saskatoon Friendship Inn or Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre in Mervin's name.

The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from the Dormition Ukrainian Catholic Church, 120-105 Street, Sutherland Sk.at 11:00 a.m.