Frederick D. "Fred" Merritt Obituary (1951

ROCKLAND - Frederick D. Merritt, 60, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, at Central Maine Medical center in Lewiston. He died of complications following an automobile accident that occurred on December 9, 2011. Born in Rockland, October 25, 1951, he was the son of Charles A. and Beverly Byther Merritt. Fred was educated locally, graduating from Camden High School. Following high school Fred served for ten years as a medic the Maine Army National Guard. After being discharged from the military, Fred followed in his father's footsteps and continuing the long legacy of mill workers, Fred began working with Great Northern Paper Mill in Millinocket. Starting as a paper maker, a job he loved, Fred was proud to work his way up to supervisor. As his father had served as President of the Knox Woolen Mill, Fred wanted most to make him proud. He retired from the mill after 32 years of service. On October 24, 1982, Fred married Christine Hale. Together they made their home in Millinocket. Fred and Christine recently renewed their vows at a surprise birthday party for Fred on October 22, 2011. Moving back to Rockland in 2006, Fred went to work for his son, driving for Schooner Bay Taxi. Each year Fred dressed the part of Santa Clause and drove his taxi around town, passing out candy canes. He also played Santa for the American Legion Children's Party. His family remembers he took great pleasure in his job, and loved all of the people he was able to meet. He was an avid outdoorsmen and loved hunting, fishing and especially boating. Riding his motorcycle was another favorite pastime. He was a member of the American Legion Riders and was 1st Vice for United Bikers of Maine, Knox County, and enjoyed many benefit rides with those organizations. For the past two years he has served as commander of the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1 in Rockland. Fred had a big heart, and contagious smile. He touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with. His family said his main concern was always for other people. Even in the midst of his accident, he was worried about others. His easy personality made everyone feel comfortable around him. Fred was most known for his great story telling, building the story until everyone was on the edge of their seats. His sister said he will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor, generosity, passion for "all things motorized", and love for his family. Predeceased by his parents; his step-mother Margaret Crane Merritt; and a daughter-in-law Lisa Merritt; Fred is survived by his beloved bride of 29 years, Christine of Rockland; his sons, Charles A. Merritt of Cleveland, Ohio, Christopher Hale Merritt and his wife, Renita of Rockland, Todd Michael Merritt of Macedonia, Ohio; a daughter, Patricia Merritt Jarosz of Cleveland, Ohio; a brother Robert B. Merritt and his wife, Margaret of Clifton; his sister, Mary-Lou M. Moulton and her husband, James of Bowdoin, ME; 11 grandchildren; his mother-in-law Geneva Michaud of East Millinocket; many nieces and nephews as well as a large extended family. Family and friends are invited to visit from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday February 10, 2012 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 11, 2012. The Reverend Wayne Sawyer will officiate. A reception will follow at the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Post No. 1, 335 Limerock Street, Rockland. Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion Legacy Fund, P.O. Box 582, Rockland, 04841. 2d:{"dateT