Dr. Gustaaf Mertens, 89, of Bridgewater, formerly of Mahone Bay passed away on Monday, November 25, 2013 at South shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. Born in the Netherlands, he was the son of the late Willem and Johanna (Paul) Mertens. Gus and Ria, originally from Indonesia but of Dutch descent, made their home in many places in Canada after arriving in America from Holland in 1951. After working in hospitals in New York City and Detroit, Gus and Ria immigrated to Canada where Gus worked for the Department of Indian Health Services in British Columbia and at several posts in Northern Canada. Gus then specialized in pathology and spent many years working in southern Ontario and then in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Gus was an avid sailor, from a boyhood spent sailing in Java to cruising about on the Great Lakes of Ontario. He loved nature and spent much time photographing and painting watercolours. He and Ria were great travelers and they enjoyed many overseas trips together. Gus is survived by his three children, Marion (Kim) Garrett; New Zealand, Wini (Steve Lobban); Belize and Bob and his wife Catherine of Pinehurst; Nova Scotia and their three sons Max, Adam and Tucker. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Ria who passed away in 2003. Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Hwy. # 3, Lunenburg. As Gus wished there is to be no memorial service at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Operation Smile or to a charity of your choice.