Gord Mertler continues family legacy with a planned gift

A family’s enduring commitment to supporting carpentry students

After her husband George passed away in 2012, Ann Mertler contemplated how to celebrate his life, honour his memory and recognize his distinguished woodworking career as a millwright. George actively mentored many carpentry students during their on-the-job training programs, and Ann determined a legacy supporting carpentry students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic was the most fitting tribute.

That same year, Ann established the Ann and George Mertler Bursary to provide financial support to full-time students in the Carpentry certificate program at Sask Polytech. Continuing his family’s legacy, their son Gord Mertler, has decided to include a planned gift in his will.

“My role in all of this as a son is to help continue what my parents started,” Gord says. “The Mertler legacy is what’s important to me. The contributions they made, as well as the contribution in my will, reflect that.”

Ann’s dedication to supporting students was funded through generous annual contributions. While she funded the bursary with yearly gifts, Ann’s legacy continued after her passing in 2016, with a portion of her stock portfolio directed to the bursary through dividends. This thoughtful planning both honoured her commitment and provided smart solutions for her estate and tax planning.

“When you transfer corporate stocks, you are not taxed on the capital gain. You also receive a charitable receipt for the amount donated,” explains Gord.

Cory Mohr, program head for the School of Construction at Moose Jaw campus, emphasizes the importance of bursaries: “We’ve had students who struggle financially, and sometimes these scholarships make the difference between continuing their training and having to withdraw.”

This year’s bursary recipient shared heartfelt gratitude, saying, “I appreciate this award not just for myself, but for my family. We are experiencing tough times as I am a full-time student and we have no income. This support is a tremendous help for us. Once I finish the program, I’d like to give back to the community.”

Another grateful recipient says, "That’s what makes a difference in the world—good people like them, who left something behind for others. They don’t even realize the impact they have made.”

Gord honours his parents’ legacy through this bursary, carrying forward their commitment to higher education and community support to help students in need for generations to come.

Gord also encourages Sask Polytech supporters to consider this method of generosity and giving back, saying, “I would urge all friends of the school and alumni of Sask Polytech to consider this method of contributing. It benefits the school, students and offers a meaningful approach to personal tax planning for those who contribute.”

Support student success and find out how you can make a lasting impact by leaving a planned gift to Saskatchewan Polytechnic.