Mervin Wendell Brower

Mervin Wendell Brower, of Salem, was born Friday, December 9, 1938 and passed away at the age of 77 on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Mervin was preceded in death by parents, Pearl Joy McArthur and Bennett Blaine Brower; and first wife, Margaret Gwynne Horne. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife and best friend, Blanche Ann Brower (Hale); sons, Wesley Brower of Vancouver, WA, Matthew Brower and wife, Esther, of Toronto, ON, CA, and David Brower of Portland, OR; brothers, Wesley Brower and wife, Elaine, of Calgary, AB, CA, and Glenn Brower of Nanaimo, BC, CA; sister, Janet Parry and husband, Bud, of Didsbury, AB, CA; sisters-in-law, Doreen Olds of Toronto, ON CA, Bessie Duncan and husband, Kenneth, of Salem, VA, Loretta Lucado of Salem, VA, Ellen Teaford and husband, Bill, of Fincastle, VA, and Dianne Gray of Salem, VA; brothers-in-law, David Hale and wife, Frances, of Salem, VA, Hugh Hale and wife, Rita, of Elliston, VA, and Branch Hale of Amherst, VA; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Les and Kathy Brown of Salem, VA, Midweek Trail Family, Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club, and First United Methodist Church Family. During an over 40 year career as an engineer with GE Canada, General Electric and TMEIC, Mervin achieved many accomplishments: he received several patents in the steel industry, presented technical papers to the IEEE, taught and developed courses for steel and aluminum process industries, was an author of several technical papers, was a recipient of several management awards for individual creativity and achievement, was a lifetime senior member of IEEE, and travelled throughout North America and around the world serving customers. Both customers and colleagues of Mervin greatly respected Merv's system knowledge and engineering skills. He received plaudits and Christmas cards from China, India, Pakistan, Japan and Finland just to name a few. Mervin was also heavily active in his church, both in Canada at Park Street Baptist and in Salem at First United Methodist. He served as a deacon for many years, was a Stockade (Christian version of the boy scouts) leader for many years, taught Sunday School for many years, visited shut-ins, was an active participant in the book club and was a member of the Covenant Group. Mervin was a RATC member for 25 years, during which time he served in many positions, including president. He was a frequent hike leader and together with his wife, Blanche, maintained a stretch of the trail. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in memory of Mervin Brower to: The Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club, PO Box 12282, Roanoke, VA 24024, Pathfinders for the Greenways, 1206 Kessler Mill Rd, Salem, VA 24153, or First United Methodist Church, 125 W. Main St, Salem, VA 24153. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 beginning at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.Service Information

Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 11:00am,

First United Methodist Church

125 West Main Street Salem, Virginia 24153