Obituary of Philip "Phil" Merklinger

Dr. Philip Martin Merkingler of Camrose, formerly of of Waterloo, Ontario, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2017 at the age of 62 years. Phil was born on December 29, 1954, in Waterloo, Ontario. A Professor of Philosophy at the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta, Phil received his BA from Wilfrid Laurier University, his MA from Waterloo University, and his PhD from the University of Ottawa. It was at the U of O that Phil met Margaret Holliston. Phil and Margaret married on August 2nd, 1986, and moved to Camrose, where Phil began a distinguished teaching career that spanned three decades. Phil loved teaching. He loved Augustana—his friends, his colleagues, and especially his students. Phil loved his family. He took great delight in his children Tom and Emily, bequeathing to them his love of music, his passion for intellectual inquiry, and his curiosity, humour, and commitment to kindness. His love for Margaret as a domestic and intellectual partner only deepened the longer they explored the meaning of life together. Phil also leaves behind his sister Lynda and her husband Don, nephew Paul and his wife Michelle, niece Susan and her husband David, and their families, brothers-in-law Robert, Tom, and Doug, numerous cousins, and a universe of friends. He was predeceased by his parents Ross and Esther, and his older brother Tom. To remember Phil is to remember all that he loved so much. He would want us to dance in his memory, every day of our lives. A Funeral Service was held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 27, 2017 from the Augustana Chapel with Rev. Craig Wentland officiating. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to Augustana University Sophia Award in Philosophy and Religion. Gifts can be made to the Augustana University Development Office.