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JANE JONES posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Dearest Brother Ed,
Memories, Memories you made many with us Joneses'.
After graduating from OHHS you hung out in Waterford working atJones Saw Mill. You would pick up Steve & Randy (4 & 5 years old) and go deliver a load of logs or lumber. They usually came back with a Pepsi which was a real treat for them.
When you signed up for the Air Force and was called to Viet Nam, (2 times) I picked up the mail and in the package was a tape recorder. I would go to the farm and everyone who was still home would record messages to you and your buddies, Smitty comes to mind (a wildy with good teeth). Our Maine accent was a topic of conversation and reading the news in the Advertiser- Democrat about who visited who during the week was not like some of them were used to in newspapers.
The April visits to the farm celebrating each of your birthdays and in October, the ride thru New Hampshire, Vermont and New York mountains were trips I looked forward to each year.
Thanks to brother, Ray & Dorene, I got to say good bye in person on Sunday morning. BUT now I will no longer hear "it's your nickel" when I call you. BUT, guess what, The next time I called, Sharon answered "it's your nickel". What a "gem" she is to all of us!!!!!
Love you, miss you but will carry on just as you and the ones before you would want me to do!
OX,OX's
Jane
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Jerrianne Scheiderich posted a condolence
Monday, May 13, 2024
MR. ED. That is what we decided on calling him. I was pushing my son in a stroller up Slone Road for the first time in the Spring of 2000 after having moved into our home over the winter. My son, Teddy, was fascinated by the chickens....We were staring from the roadway and with a friendly wave and an invitation, we were over in the yard, Teddy was out of the stroller and pulling grass out in clumps from the lawn in the same manner as MR. ED. We were told, "Mr. Merrill is my father, call me Ed." Well, there was NO WAY a 2 1/2 year old boy was going to call an adult "Ed"....so, MR.ED. is was. That was the very beginning.....of a friendship with an extraordinary neighbor.
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Betty Ouellette posted a condolence
Monday, May 13, 2024
Everything written about Ed is so true, how he lived his life, his generosity, common sense, sense of humor, and a gentle heart. So many tears and so much laughter. Heaven's gain and our loss. Plenty of memories and so much to be grateful for. R.I.P. dear brother.
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Penny Merrill posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Dear Ed, I have great memories of times Bill and I spent with you. Always lots of laughter and many stories were had. Bill always reminded me of you, he often told me stories of you and him. I’ll miss your jokes you would send us. RIP Ed, the pain is gone, and I’m sure you were welcomed with open arms.
Love,
Penny❤️
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Karen & Herb Hill uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 26, 2024
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My dear brother,
Growing up, 11 years the younger, you were always there.
I think you got Grampa Merrill's horse whisperer gene. There was Sidney, the horse you would ride from Bill McDaniels stable to the farm & give us rides as you lead him around. Dick Sanborn's old work horse, Andy... big enough to be fearful, but not so much to your this sister when you were around to take the reins. Then there was Windy. You showed him you were boss, but as ponies go, once you left home, he wasn't "user friendly".
Herb & I were so glad to bring JE's truck to the NY State Woodsmen Fair in Boonville last August & spend six days with you & Sharon. A little porch sittin', a little visitin' with Ginny & Donna, great food & unlike the feeding frenzy of most Merrill gatherings, less was more.
The visits between us are always special and I remember Mom getting the news that Bob, Betty or Dick, an aunt or uncle, cousin was coming back for a visit. She passed the word that "company's coming". With all her children, I always noticed an extra spark in her voice, "_____'s coming home!" As in the story of "The Prodigal" the house was prepared as well as the fatted calf.
I remember how Mom sat at the kitchen table & sobbed when you moved to Bill & Georgia's and my first thought as you neared heaven' gate, was Mom spreading the word that, "Eddie is coming home."
I can never thank you enough for your strength in defending the defenseless. Truly, there is no right way to do the wrong thing. Your care, compassion, ability to forgive are hallmarks of your character. Thank you for the time spent with JE and your other neices & nephews. The practical wisdom & lessons passed down are abundant treasure to this mother's heart.
I shall miss you, but shall look forward to seeing you in heaven for a little porch sittin' and some heavenly country music. 'Til we meet again.
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Gail Merrill posted a condolence
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Dear Ed,
I am lucky to have such good brothers and sisters, of which you are one. We are all saddened that you have passed. I always enjoyed when you came back to Maine to visit us. You made me laugh many times with your funny jokes and stories. It was so much fun when we visited you in New York. My first trip out to Rome was when Mom, Shirl, and I came out for Christina's high school graduation. Then, when you moved to your farm in Lee Center, lots of us Merrills landed on your doorstep, twice a year, ready for some good times...and we sure had them!
My fondest memory of you, Ed, will always be when you flashed the box of SKIP-BO cards in front of me (whether in Maine or New York), and asked me, "Are you ready for a whoppin'?" You know I was! Even when you were the LOSER at our SKIP-BO games (which was many times, I remind you), you will always be a WINNER in my book. Thank you, Ed, for partnering with me in so many SKIP-BO games. I love that game, and am so sorry I whopped you so much in it. You always took it well. I love you to the moon and back, and will miss the attention you always humorously gave me. Rest in peace, my dear brother. Shirl says we will have a game everyday as a tribute to you. So far I've whopped her each day!
Your sister, Gail...SKIP-BO QUEEN!
S
Sarah Hennessey posted a condolence
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Uncle Ed, I didn't know you too well when I was a kid, but then the most remarkable thing happened. I moved out to upstate New York for college and I started coming to visit the Merrill Farm in Lee Center. Over the past 10 years, I've come to think of you and Aunt Sharon as another set of grandparents.
We've had so many fun times sitting around the kitchen table, listening to you tell stories - and boy were you a legendary storyteller! But I think my favorite memory is the time Kaitlyn and I came to visit you and Sharon alone - when you opened your home to the two of us on a quiet weekend in September 2021. You took us out for a ride on your tractor, showed us the beautiful nature around your property, and even ate chicken curry with us even it was out of your comfort zone. We played cards and played with the dogs and it was such a precious moment in time that I will treasure forever.
Uncle Ed, even in your last decade of life when I knew you the best, you were still open to new ideas and open to changing your mind about something if it was important to your community or the people you loved. Whether it was surrendering your guns because you believed it was the right thing to do for public safety, or refusing to support political candidates who didn't live up to your ethical standards, you were a man of strong principle and conviction and I admired that greatly. You always welcomed me and my wife into your home and into your heart without batting an eyelash, which means more than we could ever properly tell you. We were so thrilled that you came to our wedding - and even made the sacrifice of wearing a "monkey suit" with a purple tie to boot!
The last time I saw you, Uncle Ed, you were wearing a Santa suit at the Merrill Family Christmas Party of 2023 to bring cheer to all of the family's children with your unique sense of humor. What a way to remember you - answering the call to duty yet again and always stepping up when your family needed you.
Uncle Ed, perhaps the most important thing I can say is that your love for Aunt Sharon was so palpable it added light to a dark room. The way you lovingly bickered while supporting each other through thick and thin until the end sets a high standard for all of us lucky enough to be married who follow in your footsteps. And you have left Aunt Sharon such an incredible final gift - a safe and strong home that you built with your own hands.
Rest in peace now, and thank you for being part of our family.
S
Shirley Merrill posted a condolence
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Dear Ed,
Happy Birthday, dear Brother! Little did either of us know that when we hugged each other at Jane's last December as you were heading back to New York from Maine, that that would be our last earthly
good-bye. Just as well for us, I think, that we don't know God's plan for us. Like our brother, Dick, I admire how you both faced your cancers with courage, faith, and hope right to the end. You both were MERRILL STRONG, for sure.
I am so glad I got to talk with you on the phone from the hospital on the day of the solar eclipse, April 8, and then again the next Sunday night. Though I could tell you were not comfortable, you got everyone in the car, and at the kitchen table laughing with your humor during both calls. And, again, we said good-bye on the phone, not knowing that the coming days would see you down-cycle fast and furious until your last breath...and no more chances to speak to you.
You have left us with many great memories. You were the last of your siblings to be born at home, and the only one to be delivered at Merrill Farm on Mill Hill Road by Dr. Hubbard. I only realized how lucky all fourteen of us siblings were to grow up as we did on the farm in rural Maine, until I started teaching, and worked with kids who weren't so lucky to have what we had...a safe home, love of family, caring parents, and surrounded by good role models to guide us...plus we never went hungry or cold, learning at a young age about sharing the load, and that you get what you give in life,
My "Ed" memories at home include your buddy, David Weir, who lived up on the hill with neighbors Carl and Mina Hamlin (David's grandparents). David spent a lot of time with us kids, and you kept him busy training steers, doing farm chores, etc. Then each summer our neighbor, Lulu Lahti, had her sister, Sylvia, and Sylvia's two boys, Johnny and Bobby Barton, visit her from New York City. Sylvia and her husband, Frank, wanted their boys to get out of the city for the summer. You, Russ, Ray, and Bill put a lot of "country" in those boys over many summers, as they came over daily to take part in whatever was going on. What good times we had playing "Kick the Can", and "Hide and Seek" with them almost daily! We had a good life growing up...full of work and fun, close to our grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and fortunate for our good health and opportunities.
In 1966 you left Waterford for the wild blue yonder of the USAF. In your 20-year service, you were sent to Vietnam, married Nina, lived in the Netherlands with your two daughters, Christina and Stacy. then was assigned to Griffiss AFB in New York, where you stayed until retirement. I enjoyed your comrades sharing their feelings about your work ethic, your generosity, and good humor...very impressive!
We always enjoyed your visits back to Maine with your families over the years. When Sharon, Anna, Kate, and Tess came into your life, you bought the farm, and oh, what good memories we have of our April and October weekends with you over the years! We kept the travel tradition going after you sold the farm and moved to Golly Road. How wonderful you got to spend time in your new house before you got real sick, and now Sharon will have a safe, and efficient place to live.
So, my dear brother, part of you is coming back to Mill Hill Farm. We will let you rest in the family memory garden under the "Merrill Farm" sign that you and Sharon gave Dad. We will add flowers in memory of you, as well as Dick, Robert, and Cindy who went before you. You will be across from Dad's pansy garden, and up the drive from Mom's "mum" garden on the front lawn.
Your sister is very proud of you, and should have told you so much more than I did. May you rest in peace in your heavenly home, keep everyone up there cheerful with your witty remarks, and don't aggravate your father too much! Until we meet again, Ed, know you are loved and will be so missed by all your special earthlings! This tribute is for you. Thank you for all your brotherly deeds...you are a WINNER!
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Russell W. Merrill posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Hi Brother and Happy Birthday.
I will always remember you as my next older brother. Although there was five years between us, I remember many things during your high school years that would make me chuckle. Your hang out in the later years of your high school days was Minnie's Restaurat. I know you thought of her as a second Mother and would venture to guess that she considered you her son. There was a strong bond there between you both. I know there was a few days when you would skip school and everyone seemed to know where they could find you.
Merritt Kimball, Barry Sanborn, Clifford Andrews and a multitude of others were your buddies. Many times you would wake me up when you got in from a late night out, always trying your best to be quiet so you would not wake up the whole house--especially Dad, since he did not approve of you spreading your wings.
You were always looking for a good time and several times you found it in the likes of our Deputy Sherriff, Bob Wood and Waterford's Constable Jimmy Tyler (also know as "Drift Wood" and "Barney Fife") What stories you would tell about those two characters. I wish they could have been recorded since there were so many that had everyone doubled over in laughter.
I remember you smoked Tarreton (sp) and Spring cigarettes and so did I, yours in fact. Probably only enough so you didn't miss them or more than not you were just letting me get away with it. Thank you.
When you left home for the Air Force and ended up in Vietnam for two tours of duty along with brother Bob, I can still see Mom reading both her sons letters, one of my most vivid memories of Mom, knowing how much she hoped you both would be safe and make it home in one piece. I know I did and am sure everyone else did as well.
Anyway Ed, I want to let you know how much I looked up to you as my big brother and although the time spent living our lives meant we didn't see as much of each other, it was always nice to catch up when we could.
I hope you are with Mom, Dad and Dick now and that one day we can all be together again. Rest in peace my brother, I love you.
Russ
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Mary Delamater posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
My memories and deep appreciation of my brother Ed are of his love of family, his service to country, his humor, his wisdom and integrity, his mechanical and farming skills, his generosity of spirit to all, no matter their status or wealth. He was a great example to all who knew him, especially to his family.
When I told him last year that Santa Claus would not be able to come to the Merrill Family Christmas Open House, he pondered it for a moment and offered to take the role for us. The suit fit and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
In fact, he committed to serve again.
Although, he will not be there, his generous and sincere spirit will be.
God blessed Edgar and Margaret Merrill with 7 sons and 7 daughters and they would be proud to know that we honor them by honoring each other.
As Dad told me once, his greatest hope is that we would "stick together" when he and Mom were gone.
We have and we will.
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Philip Stanley posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Ed wasn't just the best boss, he was the best man anyone could call a friend. Ed helped more people than he could imagine with his forever acts of kindness, he will be deeply missed.
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susan morris uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
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It is sad that Ed will no longer be strolling in to Mom's house,giving hugs and making us laugh.He will be sorely missed.
I loved the way he looked when Wally surprised him with his chicken imitation.Thoroughly amused.In Wally's words,"He was a good man!"
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Martha Merrill posted a condolence
Monday, April 22, 2024
Dear Ed, you are and always will be dear to us all. A true jokester at heart, with a ready smile, an arm around our shoulder, and that amicable nature. You are missed by so many. May you rest in peace.
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Meredith Frost posted a condolence
Sunday, April 21, 2024
You always made me smile and still do. You had cows with the most beautiful eyelashes! You will be missed by so many.
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Bob Davis posted a condolence
Friday, April 19, 2024
Ed and I planted a garden several years at Ralph's farm north of stokes hill, We had a lot of fun growing a little bit of everything, We had grew enough sweet corn and squash to supply the whole shop. My kids would go up there with us to pick the vegetables when they were ready. Gosh those were the days. Bob Davis
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Gary Swiatko posted a condolence
Friday, April 19, 2024
One day Ed says come with me I know a person who has a fishing boat for sale. The boat belonged to a local person who was unemployed and was looking to sell. The boat was made of aluminum, had no motor or trailer, and was 14 feet long. We split the cost of the boat and brought it back to Ed’s place. I then went out and bought a 5hp outboard motor and we were set. Ed’s flatbread truck served as the trailer which may have looked a little odd when we launched the boat but it served the purpose. We fished out that boat for years and had so many great times. Rain or shine there were no bad days fishing out of that boat. Ed even took other guys out from the squadron who liked fishing but had no boat. That told you about Ed’s kindness. Oh, did I tell you the boat only cost 50 dollars apiece. You could not imagine that the boat would bring so much camaraderie between Ed and me.
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Ray Merrill posted a condolence
Thursday, April 18, 2024
My dear brother. You lived your life more for others than for yourself . You were asked to go to war when it was impossible to win not once but twice and lived through the nightmares that chased you home. Your call to arms and defense of your nation kept you away from the small farm on Mill Hill Road during your best years of life. We talked fairly often but never often enough . The years have passed by quickly and miles between us were too far for many things that may have been shared. We will move on without your jovial character and wit, the world does not slow , lending time to reflect and heal our saddened hearts. You are our American Hero , that protected us from harm , helped when no one else would come , encouraged us to do something good each and every day . We are sad that you are gone , but will carry forward what you stood for until we too come to the end of our roads. Your immediate family , extended family, neighbors and friends will hold you in their hearts forever, We will bring you back to the little farm on Mill Hill Road , where you can rest in peace for eternity in a place called home. Rest in peace my brother , you will be the warm sun on my face , the cool breeze on a hot day , and the smell of fresh cut hay drying in the summer sun . We love you and hold a lifetime of memories forever in our hearts.
Ray
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John Takerer uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
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This was from a reunion in 2015….taken in Ed’s front yard! Everyone was happy!
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Jana Dodge posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
I remember Ed working at Grampa’s farm, even though I was young at the time. Those were the good old days..
A Memorial Tree was planted for Edward Merrill
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
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The family of Edward C. Merrill uploaded a photo
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
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John Takerer posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
One of Ed’s words while guiding us youngsters in the art of military writing was “SUPERFLUOUS .” He would say get that superfluous bullsh$t out of there. Most of us had no idea of what the word even meant! Lol As you read the obit there was nothing superfluous about Ed! All his life he was a strong person and will be missed by all who knew him!