Meredith, NH------Robert “Bob” R. Merrill, 56, died at the Lakes Region General Hospital, Laconia on Thursday, April 21, 2011 of complications from diabetes.
Mr. Merrill was born in Boston, MA the son of the late Gladys Merrill. He was a longtime resident of Laconia before moving to Meredith in 1991. He graduated from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and attended the University of Virginia School of Law. At the time of his death, Mr. Merrill was employed by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Northern New England as the Assistant to the President.
Mr. Merrill was very interested in the economy and politics. He had an intuitive sense about business and organizational management. He mentored many people during his 35-year career at Coke. He loved watching the wildlife and enjoyed all that nature provided in the Lakes Region. Over the years, he cherished the time he spent with the many rescue dogs that he cared for.
Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Denise Merrill, of Meredith, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John & Eleanor Cunningham of Bedford, two brothers-in-law and their spouses, Craig & Jeannie Cunningham of Derry and their children Rebecca and Andrew and Keith & Julie Cunningham of Portland, Maine and their children Ryan and Megan. He also leaves behind numerous cousins.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 11:00AM at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 65 Sagamore Street, Manchester, NH, with a luncheon following the service. In accordance with Mr. Merrill’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England, Inc., PO Box 162, Greenfield, NH, 03047 or to the Joslin Diabetes Center Development Office, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA, 02115.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia is assisting the family. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.