Merve Rauws

1957 - 2015

It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce that George Mervyn Rauws has lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in Taber on Friday, December 18, 2015 at the age of 58 years.

 Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.

 A private burial service was held at the Taber Memorial Garden prior to the funeral service.

 The Funeral Service was held at the First Christian Reformed Church, 3902 Heritage Drive, Taber on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. 

 Merve leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife and best friend of nineteen years Shelley Rauws, father and mother-in-law Dave and Bernie Thompson of Lethbridge; siblings Tom Rauws, Anne (John) Devries , Rita (Henk) Byma, Irene (Case) Zylstra and Earl (Carol) Rauws all of Ontario; his three children Ashely and Anthony Rauws of Calgary, Ayrica Rauws of Ontario as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

 The family feels great comfort in knowing Merve has been met at heaven’s door by his parents Antonie and Jozina Rauws, sister-in-law Leslie Rauws who was very dear to his heart, plus other friends he’s said farewell to along the way including his favorite buddy, his cat Kramer.

 Since a very early age, Merve has had a passion and love for cooking. He moved to Edmonton in the spring of 1982 and started his apprenticeship in 1983 at the Westin Hotel. While cooking a variety of hotels, Merve was fortunate enough to be able to meet a variety of celebrities including Red Skelton, Kelsey Grammer, Princess Diana, the Queen Mother, Rex Ryan and Richard Saunders to name a few. He received his Red Seal in 1986.

 Merve’s reputation meant everything to him. He worked alot of hours in the kitchen either at the Taber Curling Club, his catering business Catering by Merve or at his restaurant Driller’s Grill. You could tell he loved cooking when you entered any of these places and you could hear him singing or whistling a song. Merve’s body may have given up the fight, but he never did! He will be dearly missed by all that knew him. 

 If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Merve’s name may be made directly to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960 - 19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 1W5.