ADDISON – Merrill Hinckley Leach Jr., husband of Gail Leach, passed away Jan. 27, 2011. He was born Sept. 10, 1931, to Helen and Merrill Leach Sr.
Merrill spent most of his life in Blue Hill. He was a well-known member of the community while he lived there, best known as the meat cutter at Merrill and Hinckley’s store for many years. Merrill was also an active member of the Odd Fellow’s lodge in Blue Hill, as well as Blue Hill Baptist Church. He enjoyed square dancing, playing cards with friends, watching football and an occasional argument about politics. After his first retirement, he moved to Castine, where he worked part time at Maine Maritime Academy until the time he truly retired and then relocated to Addison.
In addition to his wife of 36 years, Gail, Merrill is survived by his children, Ann Laurendeau of Hulls Cove, Patricia Grant of Ellsworth, William Leach of Deer Isle, Sarah Brooks of Atlanta, Jonathan Leach of Augusta, Beth Gray of Blue Hill and Shelia Worden of Bucksport; eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Dana Giles, who resides in Florida.
At Merrill’s request, services will not be held. Donations in his honor may be made to a local hospice or Alzheimer’s/ dementia agency.