Merkl, Corey

Corey John Stephen Grant-Merkl passed away suddenly in Lethbridge on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at the age of 38 years.

Corey was born in Lethbridge on March 29, 1982.  He earned his GED and eventually worked as an apprentice electrician in Lethbridge. His proudest achievement is his daughter Ava. He often shared pictures and videos of all of her accomplishments and loved to share stories of their times together. She was the love of his life and he beamed with pride and affection any time he talked about her.  He was very grateful for her mom Nicole for being such a good mom.

Corey was a compassionate and thoughtful man who loved his family.  He would text his mom most mornings just to check in and say, "Hello" and ask how she was doing.  He loved catching up with everyone at family get-togethers and had a great laugh and a beautiful smile!  He especially loved his mom's cooking! His favourite meal was a steak dinner with rice pudding for dessert and he was always happy to take home the leftovers!  He and his partner Lyssa loved spending time together doing many things like playing crib, cooking meals and taking his best friend, his dog "Charlie", on walks and to the dog park. Growing up Corey enjoyed visiting the mountains and his dad's cabin.  He also played hockey and was a huge fan of the game. Over the years he enjoyed all the time he spent with his step-dad Gary learning from the many building projects they worked on together. 

His quiet courage, strength of spirit and huge heart will always be treasured by all those who loved him.  He will never be forgotten.

Corey was predeceased by his grandparents, Frank & Doreen Merkl, and Frances and John Grant, uncles Dana Merkl, and Clint and David Grant.

He is survived by his daughter Ava Merkl-Gibson (Nicole Gibson).  His partner, Lyssa Nayshall, his parents, Shelley Merkl (Gary English) and Garry Grant.  He is also survived by his sister Charlene (Michael) Dyck and his brother Sean Merkl. He was loved by his nieces and nephews: Bailey, Carson and Brennan Dyck, Morgan Merkl, Gage Erlendson and Olivia Merkl. He will be missed by aunts, especially Aunties Coreen Warnock and Helen Grant, uncles, especially Uncle Ron (Peggy) Grant, many cousins, and step grandparents Earl & Jackie English, Carol McMullen, as well as many friends.

Due to Covid restrictions a celebration of Corey's life will be held at a later date.  As an expression of sympathy, please consider contributing to a trust fund set up for Ava in Corey's memory. Memorial contributions can be made via e-transfer to coreymerklmemorialtrust@gmail.com or by visiting any RBC branch, please email for account information.