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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
MERCHANT, Evatt Francis Anthony (Tony), K.C. - Tony Merchant lived a full and remarkable life - as an accomplished lawyer, business leader, politician, radio broadcaster, and, above all, a devoted husband, father, and friend. Tony was born in Yorkton and raised in Saskatoon. He joined the Naval Cadets, was later commissioned as an officer, and served as a reservist for two decades. Tony studied Arts and Law at the University of Saskatchewan, where he captained the debating team, wrote for the university paper, and his pet husky became the U of S Huskies' team mascot. Tony began practising law in Regina and hosted an open-line radio show on CJME, where his wit and quick mind made him a household name. His work ethic was legendary, matched by a deep sense of fairness and compassion. A proud Liberal - or, as he'd say, a lifelong Grit - Tony was elected to represent Regina Wascana in 1975, following the family tradition set by his mother, Sally, and his grandfather, Vincent, both of whom had served in the Saskatchewan Legislature. Tony's legal career was defined by courage and principle. As a lawyer, he was a fighter - for his clients, for fairness, and for the idea that the law should work for ordinary people. He argued countless cases nationwide, including successfully before the Supreme Court of Canada. His role in achieving the Indian Residential Schools Settlement in 2006 - then the largest class-action settlement in Canadian history - stands among his most meaningful accomplishments. Tony's contributions to society were widely recognised. He was twice awarded Eagle Feathers in recognition of his work on behalf of First Nations; and, in 2008, he was made an Honorary Chief in a War Bonnet Adoption Ceremony held by the Blackfoot Confederacy. Other honours included the Decoration in Silver from the Republic of Austria, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals, the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal. He received awards from the Saskatchewan Action Committee for the Status of Women, community service awards from the Knights of Columbus, and recognition for a lifetime of arts philanthropy in Saskatchewan (2008) and by St. Francis Xavier University (2015). Tony served as Honorary Consul of Saskatchewan for Austria and as Dean of the Saskatchewan Consular Corps. In his spare time, he poured energy into community life - YMCA, Queen City Track Club, Mid-West Karate, the Saskatchewan Civil Liberties Association, the MS Society, Voice of the Handicapped, and the Austrian Edelweiss Club. Once, on a dare, Tony set out to pedal the long prairie run from Saskatoon to Calgary. By Drumheller, the wind came down like a fist, shouldered him off the road, and laid him in the ditch. He thumbed a ride back to Saskatoon - wager lost, yes, but his grit unmistakable. That was Tony: undaunted, unbowed, and entirely himself. Tony died peacefully at home in Regina on October 13, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife, Pana; his children, Evatt (Maria), Joshua, and Matthew (Mihaela-Gabriela); his grandchildren, Vincent and Mačve; his sister, Adrian (Donald) Macdonald; and his extended family. He was predeceased by his twin brother, Michael (d. 1945); and his parents, Capt. Evatt (killed in action, 1944) and Sally (d. 2007). A Requiem Mass will be held at 4 p.m. on Monday, October 20, at Holy Rosary Cathedral in Regina, with private interment to follow. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the medical teams and staff of Toronto's Princess Margaret Hospital and Regina's Allan Blair Clinic / Pasqua Hospital. (The Globe and Mail 17 Oct 2025)
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