Merrall also worked with Cycling Canada on their Hall of Fame annual induction event and Lexus Ride with Legends. A fixture in the Canadian sports business landscape since 1983 he enjoyed many years working as a Sports Marketing Executive with International Management Group (IMG) before forming his own company.
During his career, he was named by the Globe & Mail as one of the 10 most powerful people in sports, and his projects have raised close to $3 million for Canadian charities including Right To Play and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The founder of Stars On Ice, Telus Skins Game, Canadian Professional Figure Skating Championships, RMCC Wayne Gretzky & Friends, Skate The Nation, Steve Nash Charity Classic and other successful events he was often cited as one of the most creative executives in the industry.
Merrall has cycled through eight countries in Europe and his most recent cycling adventure, last November, took him to South Africa where he spent 10 days cycling the Drakensberg Mountains, climbing 20,000 ft in 10 days.
He was a loving father of Leah. Beloved son of Iris Keith and the late Charles Merrall. Cherished brother of Karen (Ted) Giesbrecht. Dear uncle to Amy (Anthony) Musclow and Matthew (Christina) Giesbrecht and great-uncle of Marley and Oliver Giesbrecht. Predeceased by 5-year-old brother, Iain Keith.
A celebration of Merrall’s life will take place as a drop-in on Sunday, May 27, 2018 between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Right to Play Canada (www.rightoplay.ca) are appreciated by the family.
Pedal joins the cycling community in sending condolences to Merrall’s family and friends.