William Fleming Merrick

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, William Fleming Merrick, passed away Saturday, October 30, 2021.

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Bill was a quiet, soft-spoken man, of honesty, integrity, and service. He taught his family these values through the way he lived. He was a devoted husband, and father. He told us that family was the most important thing in the world and his life reflected that.

He was born December 4, 1926, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to George Eugene and Anna Fleming Merrick.

During WWII, at the tender age of 17, Bill enlisted in the US Navy and served on the USS Norris in the Pacific. After returning from the war, he met and married the love of his life, Reva Lucille Peterson, on October 28, 1949, and their marriage was later sealed in the Manti Temple. They recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.

Bill worked at Kennecott Copper as a crane operator in the smelter for 37 years until he retired.

Bill’s passions were fishing and hunting, skills that he learned at a young age from his father and continued to use throughout his life. Every chance he got he would head to Strawberry Reservoir with his camper and boat. Over the years all his children, grandchildren and many friends were lucky to be his fishing trip partners. This resulted in many great memories including Strawberry Eggs for breakfast (which by the way did not involve strawberries). Many of our family dinners on Thanksgiving and Christmas were enhanced by the addition of a roast goose, duck, or pheasant, with the occasional BB pellet from a shotgun for some unfortunate diner.

Bill also had a love for gardening. His green thumb was unmatched, from fruits and veggies to prize-winning florals.

Bill loved Rose Park and lived there all his life. He was a proud member of the Rose Park Lions Club for 28 years, serving the community in many leadership roles. He was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had many callings over the years serving others in both the Rose Park 9th and 10th Wards.

He is survived by his wife Lucille, and his children, Leslie Merrick, Stevane (Fernando) Godina, Robert (Laurie) Merrick, and daughter in law, Debbie Merrick; along with ten grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son John Merrick and daughter Anne Merrick.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 3, at 11:00 am at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, where a visitation will be held Tuesday, November 2, from 6:00-8:00 pm and Wednesday, November 3 from 10:00-10:40 am. Out of respect for the family please wear facemasks and practice social distancing.

For those who wish to attend virtually, you may view the services with the following zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81131143740

You must log in to your zoom account or create a free account at zoom.us.

Interment at Lakeview Memorial Cemetery in Bountiful.

The family would like to thank Dad’s care team at Legacy House of Bountiful Assisted Living and Laura with IHC Hospice.