Obituary: Merritt, Dan

MERRITT, Dan Dan Merritt died unexpectedly on January 20, in Maui, Hawaii while on a snorkeling trip with his wife Kathy.

Dan was born in Spokane to Wilma and D.J.

Merritt on December 28, 1947.

He graduated from North Central High School in 1966 and from EWU in 1971.

That is where he met his wife of 43 years, Kathy Tracy.

Dan served 20 years in the Washington Air National Guard, 116th Refueling Wing.

He worked in manufacturing for many years, including Green Acres Gypsum & Lime Co., and Western Trailers.

He also worked for the Inland Northwest Blood Center.

Dan was preceded in death by his mother, Wilma Merritt.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; father, D.J.

(Karen) Merritt; sons, Tom (Christy) of Bend, Oregon and Kyle (Julie Schaffer) of Spokane.

He is survived by his brother, Bill Merritt of Boise, Idaho; and his sister, Pamela Merritt of Chatteroy, Washington.

Dan was anxiously anticipating the birth of their first grandchild in April.

Dan recently returned from a safari trip to Zimbabwe, and a fishing trip to Alaska; highlights of his retirement.

Dan was a great brother-in-law and friend to Kathy’s nine siblings.

They include Leo Tracy (Mary), Shannon Whitehead (Jerry), Maureen Hansen (Dave), MaryAnn Tracy (Don), Colleen Warner, Erin Anderton (Matt), Eileen Aker (Bruce), Poppy Arvan (Gary), and Mike Tracy (Sharon).

A heartfelt thanks to Maureen and Dave Hansen for their support while on the island of Maui.

A memorial service will be held at Riverside Place, Spokane Masonic Center, 1108 West Riverside Avenue in Spokane on Saturday, January 31st at 1pm.

Complimentary event parking is available in the Diamond lot at 1211 West Main Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Inland Northwest Blood Center or Finch Arboretum.

Interment will be at a later date at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery at Medical Lake.