Obituary: Merrill, Fred Kirk

MERRILL, Fred Kirk Fred Kirk Merrill passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s hospital in Chewelah, WA on May 14, 2014 with his family at his side.

He was 88 years old.

A longtime resident of Chewelah, he was born on August 21, 1925 in Tonasket, WA to May Dorcas (Mansbridge) Merrill and James Ray Merrill.

Fred left high school during his junior year in 1943 to enlist in the US Navy.

He served as an electrician’s mate aboard the auxiliary minesweeper USS Gladiator (AM-319) sweeping mines prior to the landings on Iwo Jima and Okinawa during World War II.

After the war ended he was reassigned to the escort carrier USS Breton (CVE-23) ferrying troops home from Japan to San Francisco.

In 2010 he participated in the Northwest Honor Flight for World War II veterans in Washington, D.C.

Upon leaving the Navy in 1946, he worked for a short time as a cattle ranch hand for his brother Harold, and then attended Whitworth College where he met his future bride, Jean Landreth.

Fred and Jean were married September 5, 1948.

Fred transferred to Washington State College, in Pullman and graduated with a degree in Agricultural Education.

He and Jean along with their baby, Kirk, moved to Chewelah in 1949 where he began his long career in education starting as a vocational agriculture and metal shop teacher.

In 1966 he accepted the position of principal for the junior and senior high schools in Chewelah.

During this time he returned to Pullman where he finished a master’s degree in education.

He retired as high school principal in 1982 and continued to be active in his church and community serving in a number of organizations over the years.

Being a true educator and mentor, Fred touched many lives and left many positive marks on the community.

He was the consummate teacher both inside and outside of the classroom, giving guidance and then letting one learn by doing.

His impact was apparent with recognitions as the Future Farmers of American Honorary Farmer and Stevens County Educator of the year in 1967 and district president of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association for 14 years.

His faith was an important part of his life that he wove into his many activities.

He was a member of the United Church of Christ since his arrival in Chewelah and helped to build the current church building and subsequent additions.

He was also a driving force behind the construction of the current Jenkins High School complex.

During his 48 year membership in the Chewelah Kiwanis Club, he built the office of Chewelah Manor, a local facility to help the seniors of the community.

Kiwanis also sponsored his personal effort to build picnic tables for the Chewelah city park, 42 tables over the past several years.

He made significant contributions to the feasibility study that led to the development of the 49 Degrees North ski area.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and May Merrill, sisters and brothers, Velma Morse, Harold Merrill, Rollin Merrill and Dorcas Redkey.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean (Chewelah); brother Jerry Merrill and wife, Berta (Wenatchee, WA); children, Kirk Merrill and wife, Linda (Federal Way, WA), Joan White and husband, Rick (Bellingham, WA) Mark Merrill and wife, Jean (Eagle River, AK); grandchildren, Kimberly Merrill, Samantha Greenwood and husband, Don, Kassi White and Eland Breiter, Courtney White and fiancĂŠe, Mike Walsh, Fred Merrill and wife, Heather, Chelsea Merrill and husband, Stephen; great-grandsons, Lucas Mark Merrill and Oliver Thomas Greenwood (born a week ago), and numerous nieces and nephews.

His grandchildren knew of his love for them as he was a fixture in all of their lives, from school events and graduations to recreational activities like skiing and snowmobiling, and helping out with projects, big and small.

His smile and affection will be missed.

A funeral service for Fred will be held on Saturday, May 17th at 11:00 am at the United Church of Christ in Chewelah.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a memorial contribution to the United Church of Christ, P.O.

Box 378, Chewelah, WA 99109, Inland Northwest Honor Flight (www.inwhonorflight.org) or Providence St. Joseph’s Hospital, Chewelah.

Please go online to www.danekasfuneralchapel.com and sign the guestbook.

DANEKAS FUNERAL CHAPEL and CREMATORY are entrusted with the arrangements.