HOPE — Lawrence D. ‘Larry’ Merrifield, 60, husband of Tina L. Jacobs Merrifield, father of Robert ‘Rob’ Merrifield, passed away peacefully in his home, Friday morning, August 16.

He is survived by Tina, his loving wife of nearly 39 years; his very proud son, Robert; his mother, Alice; father-in-law, Henry Jacobs Sr.; and his four brothers, Fred, Kenney, Craig and Randy. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Hank Jacobs and wife Tammy; brother-in-law, Scott and wife Susan; sister-in-law, Deb and husband Paul; and sister-in-law, Rose and husband Ron. He also had many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and
cousins that he cherished very, very much. There are too many friends to count all over the state.

He worked very hard his whole life to provide for his family, so they never wanted for anything, but he never forgot how to live. He had a few top passions in life other than his family / friends. In the spring and summer, he enjoyed fly fishing and catching anything that would bite but his favorite catches were trout because “they are the only fish worth catching” and alewives because no one else could. Two passions that he developed later in life were cooking and gardening. He made and sold the very best beef jerky and candy popcorn around. Although he was rarely satisfied with either, everything he made was highly coveted by those lucky enough to get their
hands on it.

The early 2000’s brought the birth of “The Park.” Starting slowly at first with cutting down a few trees and clearing brush behind his house, and then after constantly working at it year after year, he had created his own ½ acre of art using earth, stones and plants. Anyone who visited the house had to make the long walk uphill to see the latest and greatest changes.

His second most favorite time of year was during the fall when hunting season came along. The first moose hunt he went on was with his hero, Dick Brodis. The last three were all with his son, Robert. He went 4 for 4. Every year though, deer season came on “The Hill” with his son, brothers, and the Brodis and Howard families at deer camp. Some of his best memories live on The Hill which will never fade away because they are shared with all who were with him.

The time he looked forward to the most during the last few years was when he bought Christmas gifts for his wife that he could never afford early on in their marriage and then watching her light up when she opened them Christmas morning. He loved her with everything he had and making her happy meant everything to him. And at the end of every long day of work, fishing, cooking, planting and hunting, he could always count on relaxing in his leather chair and getting the best doggie hugs / kisses from his best buddy, Bandit.

Larry’s family has chosen to remember his life privately at this time. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.

To share a memory or story with Larry’s family, visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.