1934 – 2016

AUBURN — Merlyn V. Sloat, 81, of Auburn, passed away Monday, April 25, with his family by his side.

He was born June 11, 1934, in Blaine, to the Rev. Perley and Eleanor Sloat. Merlyn attended Lewiston High School, was a member of the championship football team of 1950 and graduated in 1952. Merlyn married Jane E. Walker on April 29, 1953.

Merlyn loved nature and animals, and was most at home living on a farm and later servicing dairy farms. He was known for his slow, cautious driving as he traveled every back road and “shortcut” in the state of Maine. He was a simple, good man with deep beliefs and he led by example. He worked hard to provide for his family and was content with life.

Merlyn, “a gentle giant,” enjoyed the important things in life, loving and spending time with his family and watching New England sports while having sweets within arm’s reach.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jane; three sons, Bradford and wife, Cynthia, Jay, and Steven and wife, Kathy; daughter, JoEllen and fiancé, Ron Getchell Jr. He was Grampy to eight grandchildren, Shane, Corey, Shannon and husband, Dan, Andrew and wife, Rita, Jeff and wife, Liisa, Brandon, Megan and husband, Kyle; his nine great-grandchildren, Connor, Hayleigh, Colby, Kiersten, Jayden, Cecelia, Abigail, Althea and Wyatt will greatly miss him. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Layman; and brother, David Sloat, as well as many in-laws and cousins.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Merlyn’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.