Mertson, Jason (Powell)

Jason Mertson (Powell), born May 17th, 1988, passed away peacefully on April 16th, 2006 at 17 years of age, in the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Jay was a student at Hillcrest High School. He was on the Hillcrest Wrestling team and earned a gold medal, which gave him the opportunity to travel to Sarnia in February to compete in the OFSAA. Last week he travelled to Edmonton to compete in the National's as a member of the LU Junior Thunder Wolves Wrestling Team. He practiced hard and his passion was with wrestling. He loved snowboarding, biking and talking to people around the world on his computer. He volunteered at the school for MADD. Jay enjoyed his part time job at Mount Baldy. Jason's love for his family and many friends was unconditional. He leaves behind his parents Sarah and Kevin Lewkoski, and Derrick Powell (Cheri); his big sister Crissy Mertson (Doug); step-brothers Cole Lewkoski and Jordan Powell; step-sister Jill Mertson and John Mertson; grandparents Gladys Matkowski, Marlene Powell, Glenn and Myra Lewkoski, Marcy and Juri Mertson. Numerous aunts, uncles and cousins had a special place in their hearts for Jason: Audrey and David Andrusyk; cousins Mike and Katrina; Corinne and David Symons, Joanne and Harold Maki; cousins Michelle (Frank) Filice and children Christina and Nicholas; Lorreen (Kent) Campbell; and cousins Ashlyn and Keifer, Steven (Nancy) Maki, and Tanya Maki; Shirley and John Gumienny; cousins John (Julie) Gumienny and children Jade and Justin; Kimbery Ripley and child Sara; Billy Powell, Bobby and Karen Powell; cousins Allana Powell (Mike), Katie, Robbie and Nick, Dwayne and Lillian Powell; cousins Shane (Hailey), Tyler, Ryan and Amy Lynn. Jay had so many special friends who he cherished, the list would be endless because he touched so many hearts - just to mention Andy, Barry, Dylan, Charlie, Damone and James, especially Kodi and Mike but the list goes on. He was predeceased by grandfathers Joseph Matkowski and Bob Powell. Funeral Services for the late Jason Mertson will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 21st, 2006, in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, presided by Rev. Richard Kowalchuk of Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church. Interment to follow in St. Andrew's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the time of Service. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Jason's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. When a child dies they take with them a piece of your heart.