Alfred J. Merrick

Alfred J. Merrick
1947 - 2009

SOUTH PARIS — Alfred J. Merrick, family man, musician, veteran, (aka Daddio, Al and Pops), 62, of South Paris, passed away during the evening of Saturday, Nov. 28, at his home with his family by his side after complications from pancreatic cancer.

He was born on Jan. 12, 1947, in New York City, N.Y., a twin from parents Albert Alonzo and Kathryn Lydia Merrick (both deceased). He and his twin brother, Albert moved to Otisfield from New York City, N.Y., before they were teenagers and were raised by Edward Matthews "Uncle Matt." He was of Finnish and Danish decent.

He graduated from Oxford Hills High School, Class of 1966. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era and served as a jet engine mechanic in Panama City, Fla., and worked for GE and then as a tractor trailer driver for Allied Container Corp. During his time throughout high school and his adult life, he was an accomplished musician playing bass guitar in various rock, blues and country groups in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s throughout New England, winning top honors as Maine's best bassist and an avid sportsman. He also operated a DJ business with his wife, "Sissy" bringing "the music" to newlyweds up until his death.

He loved Maine, music and lived life to the fullest by his own rules. He wished for everyone to love one another and wished he'd gotten that elusive moose, as he was finally awarded his first moose permit this year. If you're ever inside the Cumberland County Civic Center you can sit in his seat, which has a memorial plaque placed on the seat in his honor.

He is survived by his wife, Grace "Sissy" Merrick and his children, Michael, Larry, Lewis and Logan (grandchild) Dow and Karcha Buker and her husband, Charles of South Paris, John "Braden" Merrick and his wife, Jessica Merrick of San Francisco, Calif., Donald Alfred Merrick of Indian Harbour Beach, Fla., Alan Shane Merrick and his wife, Kimberly Merrick and their children, Grayson Henry Merrick, Morgan LeeAnn Merrick and Blake of Melbourne, Fla.; and brother, Albert James Merrick of Shirley.

"He had the music in him..."