Residents across the township are remembering Merlyn Doble, who died Friday (Feb. 15) at Lakeridge Health Centre in Oshawa at the age of 79.

The longtime Sunderland resident is survived by his wife, Frances, four children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Words can’t express how much we’re going to miss him,” said Brock Township Mayor Debbie Bath in an interview.

“He was an all-around community guy.”

Beloved and highly respected in the area’s farming community, Doble was an active volunteer for both minor hockey and minor baseball in the village.

He was inducted into the Brock Sports Hall of Fame back in 2015, its inaugural year, for his contributions as a coach.

A celebration of life will be held Wednesday (Feb. 20) from noon to 3 p.m. at the Sunderland Legion.