ASHLAND – Gifford C. Merchant, 84, died Oct. 19, 2010, at a Presque Isle hospital after a brief illness. He was born Feb. 1, 1926, in Winter Harbor, son of Lester and Carrie (Cowperthwaite) Merchant. He was a graduate of Winter Harbor High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, in forestry from the University of Maine. At an early age he realized that his dedication to his country was important, so he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper. It was upon his discharge that he enrolled in the forestry program at UMaine under the GI Bill. He was employed by International Paper Co. for 34 years, retiring as the superintendent for the northern section of Maine. Having lived and worked in the Mattawamkeag area for many years prior to moving to Ashland, he was very involved in his communities and civic affairs. He was a Boy Scout master for the Mattawamkeag troop and also taught in the Junior National Rifle Association Club for youth. Mr. Merchant was an avid snowmobiler and was passionately involved in Ashland Snowmobile Club. He was a member of Masonic Pine Tree Lodge No. 172, AF & AM, Mattawamkeag, and was a life member of LeBlanc-Junkins Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9699, Ashland. He was a former member of Ashland Rod and Gun Club, a member of NRA and SAM, and the local RSVP. He was a beloved father, grandfather and a dear friend to many. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Saliba and her husband, Stephen, of Brewer; one stepson, Lawrence D. Merchant Sr. and his wife, Beatrice, of Hancock; one brother, Dallas Merchant of Elkton, Md.; two grandchildren, Anthony Dennison and wife, Samantha, and Lawrence Merchant Jr. and wife, Angel; and two great-grandsons, Matthew and Daniel Merchant. He will also be sadly missed by special friends, Dana and Lois Howes, to whom the family is especially grateful for their care and kindness toward Gifford in the last few years. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Loreta “Rita” (Whitaker) Merchant, in 2000; and by a granddaughter, Tammy Merchant, in 1987. Relatives and friends may call 10 a.m. until time of service Saturday at Union Congregational Church, Sheridan Road, Ashland, where a funeral service will begin noon with Pastor Nathan Gardiner officiating. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in his memory to Ashland Snowmobile Club, P.O. Box 273, Ashland, ME 04732. Funeral arrangements are a service of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., Ashland. To leave online condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.
GIFFORD C. MERCHANT
