WATERVILLE and WORCESTER, Mass. – George H. Merriam died Oct. 15, 2010, at home in Worcester, Mass. He was born May 17, 1922, in Waterville, son of George H. Merriam and Edith H. Gardner. He grew up in Worcester, Mass., where he attended public schools. George graduated from South High School in 1940. He married Alice Price of Portland, in April 1943. He received a bachelor’s degree from Clark University in 1944, a master’s degree from Brown University in 1947 and a doctorate from Clark University in 1961 – all in history. A dedicated teacher, he taught at various high schools in Maine, Bates College and Fitchburg State College. He also served in administrative positions at University of Maine at Presque Isle, Clark University and Fitchburg State College. He touched many lives with his love of reading and strong belief in the liberal arts. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from April 1943 to October 1945, and was stationed in Italy and other overseas posts from February 1944 to July 1945. In addition to his academic training in colonial U.S. history, he developed a deep knowledge of railroad history and published several articles on Maine’s railroads. Although he lived much of his life in Worcester County, Mass., he spent every summer of his childhood in Dennysville, his mother’s home, and never missed an opportunity to visit in later life. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Louise Merriam and husband, James Oberly, of Minneapolis, and Gardner Merriam and wife, Deborah Young, of New Haven, Vt.; his brother, Bernard Gardner; and five grandsons, Nicholas Oberly, Dylan Merriam and wife, Becca Stelfox, Mason Merriam, William Oberly and Peter Oberly. He was predeceased by his parents; and his stepfather, Ray Tobey of Fairfield. A memorial service in his honor will be held 1 p.m. Nov. 6 at Briarwood Continuing Care Community, Worcester, Mass. In lieu of flowers, contributions in George’s honor may be made to Clark University alumni fund, Briarwood Residents’ Association or Fitchburg State University General Scholarship Fund. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, Holden, Mass. www.milesfuneralhome.com
GEORGE H. MERRIAM
