Willard Curtis Merrison
It is with profound sadness, that we share the passing of Curtis Merrison, who passed peacefully, with family by his side on Monday, August 24, 2026 at the age of 67,
Curtis was a true gentleman who gave generously of himself to the people around him. He never forgot a birthday and always stayed connected with his loved ones and friends. He gave back to his community by volunteering with Santa’s Anonymous, the Bissell Centre, and more. Curtis loved reading, watching baseball, coaching and umpiring with the Boys and Girls club and especially playing the game. Curtis enjoyed being on the open road riding his motorcycle around town or as he travelled across Canada. He might have looked intimidating in his leathers but he was a gentle giant.
Curtis was born in Elrose, Saskatchewan on May 7, 1959, the eldest child of three to Bill and Gwen Merrison. The early years in Saskatchewan revolved around family at home in Kyle. Whether it was watching movies at the drive-in, swimming at Clearwater Lake or spending time at his Uncle Larry and Auntie Barb’s farm, family was always important to Curtis.
In 1972 Curtis moved to Edmonton with his mom and two sisters. It was here that he made many of his lifelong friends. After graduating from Strathcona Composite High School he went on to serve as an apprentice welder and millwright at Kremco. Curtis graduated from NAIT with his journeyman designations and his career spanned the next 40 years with NOV. Curtis’s work took him to destinations across the globe. His favourite of which, was Malta. The dedication Curtis showed to his company was beyond measure. He was the definition of reliable, dependable and diligent. He was very proud of the work he did and his co-workers made the job fun. Always the jokester, Curtis had endless stories. He was a loyal friend and a pillar of strength, devotion and perseverance, not only in his career but for his family as well.
Curtis’s children James and Maxime meant everything to him. His happiest memories were the day James was adopted and Maxime was born. They were the light of his life. Curtis was their constant and safe place. He inspired a passion for reading, music, movies, travel and eclectic food choices. And of course, he was the source of unlimited knowledge and interesting lore.
The love and laughter that Curtis shared will be remembered always. He was a hero to all of us and will be missed beyond words. We are all so blessed to have known and loved him. He will be in our hearts forever.
Curtis is survived by his daughter, Maxime Merrison; sister, Becky Baskier(Clay), along with numerous dear nieces and nephews, extended family, and close friends who will miss and love him always.
He is predeceased by his son, James Merrison; parents, Bill and Gwen Merrison; sister, Kathy Merrison; and brother-in-law, Randy Rasmussen.
A gathering will be held to celebrate Curtis’s life on Sunday, September 6, 2026 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at Royal Pizza Restaurant at 10433 80 Avenue NW, Edmonton. There will be no formal ceremony, but please feel free to bring your stories of Curtis to share with those who loved him.