Obituary of Donald L. Merritt

Merritt, Donald L. It is with great sadness the family announce the passing of Donald L. Merritt at North Bay Regional Health Centre on July 2nd, 2015 in his 91st year. Don was born in Hamilton, Ontario to Spencer and Louise Merritt. He grew up in Grimsby, Ontario. Don is survived by his loving wife Kathleen (Kaye)(nee Dixon), son Spencer (Karen), son Jim (Isabel) and daughter Darlene (Milton). Eight grandchildren, Samantha (Jesse), Karl (Ania), Devon (Joanne), Ryan, Kaitlin (Gerry), Jennifer (Theo), Nicholas, Victoria, four great grandchildren, his brother Ivan (Eileen) and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his sister Lenore (George), brother Harold (Aileen) and daughter in law Ute Merritt. Don was educated in Grimsby, joined the Air Force and was stationed in P.E.I. and overseas. He worked for Trans Canadian Airlines then became Equipment Manager for Standard Paving (now Lafarge) and his territory was from all Ontario to Halifax. Following that he was owner of Brouse Construction and later taught Heavy Equipment at Canadore College. Don loved to scuba dive, skydive and could still water ski slalom at age 80. In his younger days he liked to box and was known as Mountain Man Merritt. He loved baseball. He was past Commadore of the North Bay Yacht Club, belonged to the Masonic Lodge, 406 Wing and a past member of the Rotary Club. During his retirement years he restored wooden boats and tractors. He and Kaye enjoyed traveling and spent many happy winters in Florida. Summers were spent at the family cottage on the south shore of Lake Nipissing surrounded by family, friends and especially having the grandchildren there. Don was a talented man and had a great sense of humour. Above all family was number one to Don. He will be missed by many. Family will receive friends at the MARTYN FUNERAL HOME on Sunday, July 5th, 2015 from 7-9 p.m. Funeral will take place at Trinity United Church on Monday, July 6th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Nipissing Village Cemetery. If desired, donations to the Trinity Untied Church or North Bay & Area Community Foundation will be gratefully acknowledged as expressions of sympathy.