October 5, 1950 – March 15, 2026
A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Hidden Valley Resort, 1755 Valley Road, Huntsville, Ontario, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
Richard “Dick” Merritt passed away peacefully at home on Bella Lake on Sunday evening, March 15, 2026, as his beloved wife, Elayne and son David tucked him into bed.
Born with a natural talent for engineering and mechanics, Dick graduated from Carleton University and went on to a long and inventive career that included early entrepreneurial ventures, work at General Electric in Barrie, Algonquin Industries in Huntsville, Black & Decker in Brockville, Moyer Diebel in St. Catherines, Polytech Netting in Orillia and finally at Honda Manufacturing in Alliston. Known for his creativity and resourcefulness, he was always building or fixing something, from patented technologies to restored boats and finely crafted furniture that filled the family home.
Bella Lake was at the heart of Dick’s life, where he waterskied, towed generations of family and friends behind his beloved boat and ultimately designed and built the timber frame home that will stand as his legacy for years to come. He loved snow and water skiing, time on the water, and quiet hours in his workshop. He was the neighbour who showed up with his Kubota tractor whenever there was a driveway to clear or a storm to clean up after.
Above all, Dick was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose easy-going nature, booming laugh, and enduring sense of humour remained with him throughout his long journey with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). He faced his illness with grace and dignity, supported by the unwavering care of his wife, his close-knit family, and an extraordinary circle of friends and caregivers who helped him fulfill his wish to remain at home on Bella Lake
Dick (Richard) will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 54 years, Elayne (nee Patterson); his boys, Stuart (Erci), David (Fany), and Phil (Della); and his granddaughters, Emma and Mackenzie (Marshall). He is also lovingly remembered by his brother Doug (Gilberte) and sister Barb (Norm) as well as his extended family, including cousins, nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of dear friends and neighbours from the Limberlost community. Special thanks to our Peruvian family—Tali, Eldi, Ander, Nelly, and little Isaac—who encircled him with love in his final years.
Please come and join the family on June 20th to share our stories and memories. Refreshments and appetizers will be served.
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