Peary L. Merrifield, Jr., obituary

Mon, 08/14/2017 - 1:45pm

BOWDOINHAM – Peary L. Merrifield, Jr., 69, died unexpectedly, Monday, August 7, 2017 following a brief period of declining health.

Born in Hope, December 21, 1947, he was the son of Peary, Sr. and Glenys Hall Merrifield. Growing up in East Union, Peary was a 1966 graduate of Union High School. Following high school, Peary worked for several local farmers, learning the trade and running the farms. Later he worked at Cole Farm for many years where he sold hay and worked the farm.

An avid sportsman, Peary loved to be outdoors. From hunting, fishing, trapping and tanning his own hides and pelts, he loved it all. In the winter he could be found ice fishing, smelting and bow hunting. He took great pleasure in teaching his favorite pastimes to his daughters and grandchildren as well.

Predeceased by his parents; a sister Esther; a brother-in-law Wayne Smith; and his nephew's companion, Valerie Kaler; Peary is survived by his children, Corina, Alicia and her husband Jerry Zidek, Elliot Merrifield and his wife Brenda, Michelle Merrifield and her companion Eric, Jamie Blakeney and her husband Kenny; his siblings, Bertha Luce and her husband Alfred, Annie Wood and her significant other Robert Newbert, Lorraine Smith, Marliss Thomas and her husband Christopher; his grandchildren, Calvin, Jenny, Cody, Andrea, Zoe, Cheyenne, Sierra, Ashley and Elliot 'EJ' Jr.; his nieces and nephews, Steven Luce, Wayne Luce, Sharon Harris, Darlene LaPierre, Charlie Martz, Jr., Hayden Martz, Spencer Wood, Tracy Harward, Everett Smith, Naomi Gagne, Donnie Kennedy, Dana Kennedy, Jr., Courtney Kennedy, and Rachel Theriault; as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews.

A celebration of Peary's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 21, 2017 at South Hope Community Church, Rt. 17, Hope. A reception will follow immediately. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, Maine 04101.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. To share a memory or condolence with Peary's family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.