Gilford-------Philip N. Merriam died Saturday night July 25, 2015 at the age of 84 while in hospice, in the company his wife and family.
Phil was dedicated American who proudly served his country in the Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean War in the 50’s. He credits his time in the service, and specifically the support and opportunity the G.I. Bill gave him, for the foundation of his future successes.
A graduate Springfield College in 1957, he was a star athlete in both football and baseball, to the point that he was scouted by both professional organizations in Cleveland. Phil carried his love of sport forward in life.
Born March 4, 1931 in Springfield, MA, son of the late William and Claire L. (Thompson) Merriam. Growing up in Hartford, CT Phil exceeded the expectations of either of those communities by moving far beyond the environment he was born into.
The largest influence of his life was clearly his mother, Claire. He spoke of her influence and grace often and the phrases we repeat daily most likely come from her. He very much credited her with his strong moral structure in life. And that is something he very much strove to pass down to his children and grand-children.
As a teacher of Social Studies at Patchogue-Medford High School starting in the sixties he coached football, with much success, as well as ran ski clubs before retiring 1986. During those years he headed the beaches in pools for the Town of Brookhaven on Long Island.
For the last 3 decades he called New Hampshire his home, helping run a ski resort, captaining various vessels on Lake Winnipesaukee and hiking the regions trails. An avid skier, motorcyclist, proud Patriots and Red Sox fan, as well as a secret (if conflicted) Yankee fan - he had a passion and team for any time of year.
Phil, as his friends called him, was also known at various times as ‘The Bald Eagle’, ‘Mr. Clean’ and, most recently by some friends of his sons - ‘Diamond’. For many he was Dad. For all, he was happy…extremely so.
Along with him goes the phrases that will forever ring our head : “How are ya doin’, darlin’?” “Hey Tiger!” “This is God’s country!” “Now where the heck did I leave that thingamajig?” “If a job’s worth doin’, it’s worth doing right!” "Be Happy!" and everyone's favorite: “Leave every place better than you found it…” He sure did.
Phil is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Kathleen (Biggs) Merriam and his youngest daughter, Jessica, they were not only holding hands with him at the time of his passing but comforted him as his abilities wound down over the recent years. A prolonged fight against the memory shredding ravages of Alzheimers denied his last years of clarity and presence, thereby fogging the finer details of when he actually left us. It was a long goodbye, and that too does not surprise us about him - He wanted to live when he was here and he got to do just that through nine decades. He loved being alive and made sure all around him felt it too. Father to seven children, Buddy, Linda, Sean, Stacy, Martin, Jamie and Jessica. Grandfather of twelve.
There are many memories to be revisited and enjoyed at Phil’s “Celebration of Life’ which will be at the Gilford Community Church on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to the Multiple-Myeloma Research Foundation proudly in his name online at www.themmrf.org or http://www.themmrf.org/donate-to-mmrf/ or by mail: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation 38 Main Avenue, 5th floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.