Theodore Merrill Obituary

Theodore Thomas Merrill was born March 14, 1947, to Mary A. (Sanders) Merrill and Emery D. Merrill at home in Sitka, Alaska. He was the third of 5 children: Caroline (Merrill) Bashon, Roberta (Merrill) Smith, Ted, Thomas Merrill, and Rosalina Merrill. Ted and Kathy had three children: Jennifer Merrill (9/22/1973 – 9/24/2023), Cindy (Merrill) Oliver, and Craig Merrill/Jenneka Dohner. They also had four grandchildren Leigh Ann Merrill/Chris Shanahan, Savanna (Merrill) Johnston/Garrett Johnston, Jordan (Merrill) Oliver/Jessica Oliver, and Macy Oliver. He was preceded in death by both his parents and his three siblings, Roberta, Tom, and Rosalina, as well as his daughter, Jennifer.
Ted graduated from Sitka High School in 1966, and went to Inglewood, CA to attend Northrop Institute of Technology focusing on Aviation Maintenance. While there, he met his wife, Kathy (Walsh) when he asked her to dance and she said 'yes'. Shortly after completing the schooling at Northrop, he joined the Navy.
He and Kathy were married November 22, 1969, and left in December 1969 for his duty station at Sand Point, WA. A few months later, Sand Point was closed, and he was transferred to Whidbey Island, WA, where he spent the majority of his career, with the exception of four years at Moffet Field, CA from February 1974 to February 1978.
Ted spent his Active Duty Navy, Navy Reserve, and Civil Service time working on the P2 and P3 Aircraft. Upon arrival in Oak Harbor, he joined the Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department, eventually became Fire Chief, and while serving in the department, he put together their first training manual.
Ted was close to numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews and their extended families. He loved to surround himself with family. He always made sure to include everyone in the many activities he enjoyed such as camping, boating, off-roading, and traveling. The yearly family reunions at the 'Merrill Compound' have always been a highlight in the summer months. Ted spent 78 years of his life dedicated to his family and to the service of his community. Ted was a man of great integrity, generosity, and everything he did, he did with excellence. He will be greatly missed.
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