TRENTON – It is with profound sadness, the family of the late Ronald John “Ron” Merchant, 97, Trenton, announce his entrance into the presence of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Monday, November 19, 2018. Born on July 17, 1921 in St. John’s, Nfld., and raised in Sydney, Nova Scotia, he was a son of the late John Robert and Jeanie (Hewitt) Merchant. He served in England, France, Belgium and Germany with the Canadian Army Medical Corps during the Second World War, where he was stationed in Holland on D-Day. During his service, he met his first love, Gwen Meredith in Coventry, England with whom he shared 37 years until her passing in 1980. Later, he married his second love, Joyce (Campbell) Coldwell with whom he shared another 37 years. Ron possessed many outstanding characteristics and values, a strong work ethic and compassion for those in need. His great sense of humour will not be forgotten. He operated the former Merchant Photo’s, Main Street, Trenton for many years, having photographed for schools in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Following he was employed with the Better Business Bureau of Nova Scotia, the former Court Judgement Reports and was an estimator with Burge Bros. Transfer and Storage. Ron served on Trenton Town council and was instrumental in the development and opening of Steeltown Park. The current Trenton Park has a trail named “Founding Trail” which honours Ron’s name. He was a long-time supporter of The Gideons in Pictou County, charter member of the former Trenton Lion’s Club and co-founder of the former Christian Community Centre, Trenton. Ron’s enduring faith in God led him to be involved in many activities from Bible teaching, discipleship and evangelism. He leaves a rich legacy of love and devotion. Surviving are his second wife, Joyce (Campbell); daughter, Susan Merchant; step-children, Barry Coldwell, Dr. Sherri (Doug Nickerson) Coldwell, Kandy (Laurie “chosen son”) Clyburne, Robbie (Gail) Coldwell; grandchildren, Sara (Jozef Pinter) Merchant, Clark (Jane MacAulay) Merchant, Lee (Tara) Merchant, Tasha MacDonald (John Campbell), Chanci MacDonald (Chris), Bryce Nickerson, Stephen (Kamayne), Sarah and Mark Wood; Benjamin and Jeremy Voutour; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Merchant, Adrian Merchant-Pinter, Jamie Merchant-Pinter, Evan Merchant, Braelyn Merchant, Liam Merchant, Rylan Merchant, Madalyn Campbell, Evelyn MacDonald, Jacob, Marley, Gracie and Carson. Ron was pre-deceased by his first wife Gwen (Meredith); sons, Nigel and Garry; sisters, Edna Mingo and Irene Morton; brothers, Bill, David and Russell Merchant. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, November 23rd in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow from where funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, November 24th with Rev. Gordon Wheeler officiating. Interment will be in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens. Family flowers only. Donations may be made in memory of Ron to The Salvation Army, Christian Children’s Fund of Canada or The Gideons. (Please click the underlined to donate online.) To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Ronald John "Ron" Merchant, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.