Lynn Alfred Merrill, 76, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 17, after a long battle with COPD. Lynn was born on March 30, 1943 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Erika Bienert and Marriner Hendricks Merrill.

He grew up in the East Millcreek area near Millcreek Canyon, at the foot of Mt. Olympus. Lynn was an avid, excellent fisherman and spent many hours hiking up the canyon to his favorite fishing hole.

Although he never ate the fish he caught, he always returned home with plenty of fish for dinner. Lynn had a special touch with animals, and as a young boy had various “pets” such as horny toads, garter snakes, and magpies, which he trained to talk. He spent many hours exploring Mt. Olympus with his Collie dog, Prince.

He graduated from Olympus High School in 1961. After serving in the US Army, Lynn married Mariane Murray in 1964. He then fulfilled his life-long dream of being a policeman with the South Salt Lake City Police Department. He was a reserve officer for two years, then joined the force for two more years.

Like his father, Lynn was a good salesman, and spent the rest of his career in many different sales positions. In 2000, Lynn married the love of his life, Phyllis Ainsworth.

Lynn had a special talent for choosing the “perfect” gift, and often gave unexpected gifts to members of his family.

Lynn is preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister Lynda, his brother, Gordon, and his sisters Sandra Covey and Darleen Daily. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, his daughter, Lesley Lynne Merrill, a granddaughter, Hanna Lynne Price. Staci (Charley) Hughes, Jeremy (Catherine) Huhtala, and his sister Toni (Roger) Davis. He is also survived by four grandchildren, and adoring nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 4, in Milcreek Canyon. There will be a person or a sign at the mouth of the canyon to direct you to the memorial site. The memorial will begin at 1:00 PM.