CLAUDE (DICK) FAY MERRIHEW, JR., M.D. Passed away on March 14, 2013 at the age of 86. Dick was born on September 4, 1926 in Alhambra, California, and graduated from Alhambra High School in 1944. Pursuing a career in medicine, Dick attended USC as an undergrad and received his doctorate from University of Iowa School of Medicine in 1949. While in Iowa, Dick met and later married Virginia (Ginny) Johnson. Dick was proud of the fact that he enrolled in the Navy to pay for medical school. He enlisted in the Navy in 1944 while in medical school then released to inactive duty in 1946 to complete medical school in Iowa, and graduate. In 1949 he continued his military service in the newly formed Air Force. He was released from active duty in 1952 as a Captain. Dick was honorably discharged, after achieving the rank of Captain and he and Ginny moved to Los Angeles so he could intern at Good Samaritan Hospital. In 1955, Dick and Ginny relocated to Riverside, California, where he established himself in private practice on Brockton Avenue and continued to practice until he closed his office in 2004. Dick was a faithful member of The Grove Community Church (formerly Victoria Community Church) for over 25 years, volunteering many hours of service and an active member of Victoria Club for over 30 years. He was also a 50+ year member of the Exchange Club, Riverside (Magnolia Center), having served as President for 3 separate terms. For the past several years, Dick was honored to serve as Chaplain for the club, one of his greatest pleasures. After the death of his beloved wife Ginny in 2006, Dick was introduced to Jane Lamar, through his church social group. With Jane, Dick found a new purpose in life and "his second love". They enjoyed going to the theatre, socializing with friends and traveling together. Dick and Jane were married in February 2010. Dick was much-loved and respected by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Jane Lamar Merrihew; sons Craig Merrihew (Rachelle), of Riverside, Blair Merrihew (Toni), of Cathedral City and daughter Dawn Booth (Scott), of Corona; 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and an older brother, Noel Merrihew, of Santa Rosa, California. A Funeral Service will be held Tues., 3/26/13, 10am at The Grove Community Church, 19900 Grove Community Dr., Riverside. Burial will take place with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, using assembly area #6, 11:30am. A reception will follow the graveside/committal service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Grove Community Church or The Salvation Army. PRESTON & SIMONS MORTUARY, Funeral Directors 951-683-7410
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2 Entries
God Bless you Uncle Dick.You are missed by us here who knew you and loved you. Your niece and family.
Sigrid Palmer
March 28, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Doc Merrihew's Family. He was a special person and a great doctor. He and Ginny were very special people. They made a great team running his practice.It's hard to find people like him so caring and always giving back. He will be missed.
Deborah Howard
March 20, 2013
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