Merton C. McGrew

Merton C. McGrew

Merton C. McGrew, a long time resident of Bellevue/Redmond, WA passed away June 26, 2012 from melanoma cancer at home with his family by his side. Mert was born November 11, 1933 to Merton McGrew, Sr. and Esther McGrew in Walla Walla, WA. He graduated from Walla Walla High School and was an outstanding athlete. He attended Whitman College where he played varsity baseball and basketball as a freshman and was a member of the Phi Delta fraternity. He then attended Yakima Valley College and played baseball for Chuck "Bo Bo" Brayton as well as playing semi-pro baseball. He was in love with the game of golf and a member of Tam O' Shanter golf community. He loved his "golf buddies". Early on he was involved with coaching soccer, baseball and basketball. He also worked with the Jr. Achievement Program and donated time with the Ruth School for Girls. Mert started his work career with Kenworth Motor Truck Co. in sales both local and export sales. He remained in the heavy duty trucking industry with other trucking companies and also Cummins Engine Company. The last many years of his career his was affiliated with Refuse Equipment Sales. He was still actively involved with GK equipment until his death. Mert is survived by his college sweetheart Shirley, who was his partner for 55 years. He is also survived by his son, Douglas, granddaughter Alainna and sister Gwen McGrew Monroe. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Charles McGrew, sister Daryle Kolb and his parents. Mert has many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He will be greatly missed, especially for his loyalty, the good example he always set and his sense of humor. We are so appreciative of having been blessed such a loving husband and father. He had so many friends he loved and who loved him. At Mert's request there will be no service. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to: Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Melanoma Research, 825 Eastlake Ave. E., Gr-100, P.O. Box 19023, Seattle, WA 98109-1023.