Merritt grew up in Babylon, NY, on Long Island and enjoyed sailing and maintaining his small wooden sailboat on The Great South Bay. After graduating from Pomfret Academy in Pomfret, CT, he attended Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, then went on to earn his Doctorate in Chiropractic from National College of Chiropractic (now called National University of Health Sciences) in Lombard, IL in 1975.
After graduation, Merritt came to Maine with a friend, fell in love with the state, and never left. He established the Holistic Chiropractic Center in Freeport in a home built in 1790, and practiced there for 32 years. Merritt was passionate about his work and cared deeply for his patients. He was active for many years as a volunteer and presenter at the Healing Arts Festival and the Common Ground Fair.
Merritt had a unique sense of humor and was often the life of the party. His impressions of Monty Python characters and Julia Child made you think the real people were standing right next to you. He could weave entire lines from Arlo Guthrie’s song “Alice’s Restaurant” into normal conversation, and it would sound like it always belonged there. Merritt was a self taught gourmet cook, and people would come from far and wide to share a meal around his big kitchen table. He was also an avid gardener and a great photographer.
Merritt is survived by his wife Barbara of Falmouth, sister Sara Armstrong of Melbourne, FL, nephew Patrick Donohue of Bay Shore, NY, niece Holly Lynch of Mt. Sinai, NY, and several cousins.
Merritt had long requested that his body be donated to medical education and training. There will be no formal service. Please visit www.lindquistfuneralhome.com to participate in Merritt’s online tribute, view photos, share a memory or offer condolences.
Merritt’s family would like to thank the awesome staff at Beacon Hospice for their dedication, compassion and caring. In lieu of flowers, please lend a hand to a stranger in need, do a random act of kindness, and think of Merritt and the joy he brought to our world.
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