HARTLAND – Gary Clayton Merrill, 59, died peacefully Feb. 28, 2008, surrounded by his loving fam-ily at his home. Gary was known as “Grasshopper” to his friends and co-workers. He was born June 28, 1948, in Mid-dleton, Conn., a son of Clayton and Anna (Vining) Merrill. He grew up in Deep River, Conn., and graduated from Valley Regional High, Deep River, Conn., Class of 1968. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. Gary moved to Maine in 1978, where he was a talented welder, employed by various construction companies in the northeast. He enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, working in his garage and around his home. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Vanessa (Moran) Mer-rill of Hartland; three daughters, Tiffany Dodge and husband, Ricky Jr., of St. Albans, Rhonda Merrill and companion, Richard Lawler Jr., of Plymouth and Melanie Isabelle and husband, Stephan, of Norton, Vt.; a very special sister, Sharon McCann and husband, John Michael McCann, of Deep River, Conn.; two grandchildren, Erik and Shayna Isa-belle; an uncle, Clifford Vining and wife, Thelma, of Newport; two aunts, Helen Springer and husband, Lawrence, of North Berwick and Jackie McCourtney and husband, Paul, of Rockwood; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; aunt, Shirley (Merrill) Warren; and uncle, Clifford Merrill. Gary will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at St. Albans Union Church with the Rev. Leonard Reiss officiating. Spring burial will be at Village Cemetery, St. Albans. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, 117 Main St., Newport. Memorial donations may be made to HealthReach Hospice, 212 Main St., Waterville, ME 04901. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.CrosbyNeal.com.
GARY ‘GRASSHOPPER’ MERRILL
