Robert Irvine Merrill 1921 ~ 2011
Robert "Bob" Merrill passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2011 of natural causes. He was born on June 2, 1921 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Irvine Alvin Merrill and Geneva Viola Olsen. Bob served a mission for the LDS church from 1941 to 1943 in the Texas mission where he met Violet Pauline "Polly" Moss. After returning home from his mission, Bob married Polly in the Salt Lake Temple on February 11, 1944. A month after their marriage, Bob was drafted into the Navy and served on Guam until his discharge in 1946. Bob graduated from South High School in 1937 and earned a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Utah in 1948. He was employed by Lauren Burt Incorporated for 29 years as an acoustical engineer and later served as the president of the Robert I. Merrill Company, an architectural hardware firm specializing in commercial construction, until his retirement in 1986. During his professional career, Bob served as the president of the Intermountain Chapter of Producer's Council (1973-1974) and the president of the Utah Subcontractors Association (1977-1978). Bob lived a very active life and pursued many interests. He obtained his pilot's license at the age of 20, earned the first Boy Scout Merit Badge for skiing ever awarded in the U.S., and was a member of the University of Utah polo team. Bob was an avid golfer and a charter member of the Willow Creek Country Club. Bob loved being a husband and father. He enjoyed a happy marriage of 65 years with his wife Polly. Together, they traveled the world, served a mission on Temple Square from 1993-1994, spent summers at the family cabin in Bear Lake where they were active participants in the Laketown Ward, and raised a family who adored them. Bob will be remembered for his blue jumpsuits, witty comebacks, love of ice cream, a beautiful head of white hair, and most of all, his impeccable manners. He was a true gentleman. Bob is survived by daughters Paula (David) Lowry, Robynne (William) Collins, Michelle Merrill, grandchildren Chantal, Renee, Michelle, Corinne, Michael, Rachel, Lisa, Robert, and four great-grand-children. He is also survived by siblings Keith (Jean), Wayne, Madelon (Bud) Close, and Marlene Eldredge. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Polly, parents, and brother Stanley. The family would like to thank the staff of the Wentworth at Willow Creek and Sunbrook Hospice for their loving care of our father. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 22, 2011 at 12:00 Noon at the Valley View 9th Ward Chapel, 1925 East Gunderson Lane (4195 South). A viewing will be held Thursday evening, July 21, 2011, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., as well as from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. prior to the funeral services, at the Valley View 9th Ward Chapel. Interment to follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery.