MERVIN R. PREDMORE
If you are about to pop a top of Miller Highlife, stop. Raise it up high in honor and memory of Mervin R Predmore who entered eternal life on Saturday November 1, 2014 holding his daughters hands. He spent his last days relaxing by the fireplace listening to his favorite songs by George Jones and Johnny Cash, just as he wished. Mervin was 77 years young and was a 3 time cancer survivor. He was a true inspiration to anyone who knew him. He was also known for his signature ZZ Top long white beard and his ability to own the dance floor with the "Mervin Stomp" while tossing back a few cold ones. He was the reason why the old saying "only the good die young" ever existed. He always played by his own rules and lived every moment to its fullest. He never tried to change anyone. If you were in his life it was because he accepted you just as you were. Everybody loved Merv. He was the type of man that touched lives and left a mark on everyone who had the honor of knowing him.
Born in Homer, NY in his family home, he was one of five siblings. He was pre-deceased by his sister Patricia Jean Predmore (who passed at birth), and his brothers Russell Predmore of South Otselic, NY and Glenn Predmore of Watertown, NY. He is survived by his brother Leroy Predmore and his wife Wanda Predmore of South Otselic, NY. His father, Russell E Predmore, and beloved mother, Tillie Predmore (both have also passed), taught their sons how to enjoy the simple life. Surviving The Great Depression, Mervin and his siblings learned to be grateful for what they had and used their imagination when it came time for "horse play". They would enjoy games of hand ball with each other and their friends in town. They would also ride horses bareback and make toys out of barrel rings and sticks. Mervin worked hard and played harder. As a teenager he would race cars on dirt roads and hang out with his brothers and friends in town. When he was old enough, Mervin enlisted in the United States Navy. While touring the world on a Navy Aircraft Carrier, he became a man and considered himself lucky enough to have had experienced once in a lifetime moments that later turned into stories that he would share with his grand children. Uniquely, once he was discharged from the Navy, Mervin then rejoined the Armed Forces, only this time he joined the United States Army... gaining more memories and stories along the way. He was lucky enough to experienced young love and married the mother of his oldest son Peter (Studley). Mervin was a jack of all trades. He fixed cars, and was a great handy man. He was a factory worker, a farmer, a logger and a truck driver too. He never settled to one occupation. I suppose in a sense he was a free spirit, and shifted with the wind. Some may say that because of this he always ended up with nothing. However, those who really knew him knew he had everything. Mervin had an amazing life. He was living proof of what it really meant to be a "rich" man. Mervin went on to marry Delores Cruikshank, whom he loved very much. Sadly, he lost her to cancer years later. Delores and Mervin shared a son, Christopher Allen Predmore of Ithaca, NY. He loved to tell stories of Chris Allen when he was just a boy and proudly displayed his baby picture on his entertainment center for everyone to see.
What Mervin was most proud of in his life was his daughters, Nycole Lorimer (Keith Lorimer) of Norwich, NY and Tabitha Eccleston (Dallas Eccleston) of West Edmeston, NY. His daughter Nycole devoted her life to her father and took care of him as he became less independent. However, if you ask Nycole, it was her father that held her up. Tabitha was the baby and shared the same sprit as her father. Tabitha and her husband Dallas were honored to be able to have him spend his last days in their home in West Edmeston, as he wished. Bridget Provo (Jim Provo) of Norwich NY was Mervins long time best friend. Bridget and her husband Jim would often share drinks with him at the American Legion in Norwich, NY or sometimes spend a quiet night playing cards and sharing great conversation. After over 35 years of companionship, friendship, memories and children, Bridget and Mervin considered each other blessed to have had one another. Bridget's sister, Shannon Cruikshank of Utica, NY, and Mervin had a very special friendship as well. He loved her very much and was always there for her through any obstacles life threw at her. Bridget's son Shawn Mayne and Mervin were very close. Mervin not only treated Shawn like a son, but he also taught him to smile threw lifes disappointments and to celebrate everything every chance he could get. Mervin leaves behind four grandsons whom he loved deeply. Johnathan Predmore of Norwich, NY, who he was always truly honored to have pass on the family name. Zachary Lowe of Norwich, NY, whom he shared the passion of drawing with. Dawson Cashman of West Edmeston, NY, who just loved hearing grandpas military stories over and over again. And Payton Eccleston of West Edmeston, NY, who kept grandpa young, laughing and on his toes. Mervin also leaves behinds nieces, Glenda (Stan) Foulds of Norwich, NY, Kelly Predmore of Norwich, NY, Jackie Predmore Khan, and Jody Roberts, among other nieces and nephews and family not listed but not forgotten. A special toast to all of his friends that he considered family and kept him young. You know who you are.
"Coffee is for good conversation and beer is for toasting, whether its draft, bottle or can...until we meet again"
Please join us at R J Fahy Funeral Home on Route 12 in Norwich November 14. The memorial services will be started with calling hours at 10am- 12pm with the funeral and burial to follow at the cemetery in South Otselic. Any free will memorial donations may be sent to Tabitha Eccleston 124 River St West Edmeston, NY 13485.