Two things Colin Mertick’s sister-in-law, Jennifer Arsenault, will always remember about him are his Dutch apple pies and his infectious laugh.
“If you had ever met Colin, you would never forget his laugh,” Arsenault tells The Journal. “He had one of those intoxicating laughs that haunt me at night now. I think, ‘Really, Colin? It’s not even funny.’”
Tragically, Mertick passed away after a motorcycle crash on October 2 near Vidal Street and Huron Boulevard. As an avid biker, it’s fitting that his memorial will be a final ride organized by the Lady Luck Riders MC on Sunday, October 20.
Reflecting on Colin’s wishes, Arsenault says, “Colin wasn’t a guy who wanted a funeral. A celebration of life at the clubhouse is exactly up his alley. I think it's what he would have wanted—everyone together, having fun and enjoying one another's company.”
Riders and friends are asked to meet under the bridge at the southern parking lot at noon, with kickstands up at 1:00 p.m. The ride will conclude at the clubhouse on Michigan Line in Camlachie.
As a father of five, with children aged 9 to 23, Mertick was always present for his family. “He was at the kids' sports games... He was just everywhere,” Arsenault recalls, emphasizing his unwavering support and involvement in their lives.
In his obituary, written by his sister Natasha, she echoes these sentiments:
“Colin's smiling face was easily recognized by many—whether at the kids' baseball games, on the soccer field, or at social gatherings around Corunna and Sarnia. He was well-known and loved by many. His presence filled a room effortlessly, and the joy he shared touched the hearts of everyone he met, bringing laughter and endless memories.”
To support Colin's five children—Brayden, Julian, Ava, Katie, and Piper—as they navigate this difficult time, a GoFundMe has been set up. Patches will be sold during the ride to raise funds, and additional donations will also be accepted.
“He was just one of those guys—if you met him, you loved him. Nobody forgot him. I don't think he ever had any enemies. Remember the 'keep calm and carry on' saying? He was all about that,” says Arsenault.
Having known him for over 20 years, Arsenault reflects on their long-standing bond.
“We used to go to his grandpa's cottage, and he taught me to fillet my first fish. Colin has been part of our family for a very long time,” she explains.
In daily contact with Colin's parents, Arsenault anticipates a large turnout for the ride, noting that this is likely to be the only memorial for her brother-in-law.
“He would have been right in the middle of it, laughing with a beer on hand. He would have loved it.”