Elden Lee MERRIFIELD

10/19/1939 - 02/12/2014

MERRIFIELD, Elden Lee (Age 74) Of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, passed away the evening of Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at Bonner General Hospital in Sandpoint, Idaho. He, along with his twin brother, Ellis, was born October 19, 1939, to Lynn and Myrtle (Isakson) Merrifield in Columbus, Montana. His father's mechanic job brought the family to a project on Lake Pend Oreille in 1943. The Merrifields quickly fell in love with North Idaho and made their homestead in Paradise Valley. And so Elden's long, beautiful life in Bonners Ferry began. Elden forged his way into the workforce at age 16 with the Great Northern Railway. Child labor laws were enacted shortly thereafter, and he went to work on the Madsen Farm. In 1959, he worked for Moyie River Lumber. Elden entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1961, and served in Vietnam for over four years on the USS Westchester County. Upon returning home, he re-entered the workforce in Bonners Ferry at Georgia Pacific where he began his mill career. He worked with a number of mills in the area until finally settling with Riley Creek for 42 years to retirement. Retirement treated Elden quite well. He never missed a hunting season, always filling his tag, and never left good firewood behind. Countless days, rain or shine, were spent on the water fishing with his children and grandchildren. Regardless of what others may have said, he always had the biggest fish. If he wasn't in the woods or on the water, you'd be sure to find him in his shop tinkering away in an effort to resurrect a tractor, lawnmower, chainsaw...you name it, he'd fix it. He had projects in progress to the very end. Although Elden stayed busy with his hobbies, his family and friends were his true life passion. He was the first to greet a perfect stranger or long-time loved one with hugs and kisses. If you ever met Elden, you've been blessed with his "loves". He never held a grudge and never left a sweet dessert uneaten. If the grandchildren went for that dessert, he'd tell them, "Don't eat that, it's icky!" followed by his beloved grin and giggle. His infectious love for everyone around him even impacted the nurses who cared for him to the last moment. It was virtually impossible to avoid being affected by Elden's genuine love. Even now, it is impossible to forget the father, the brother, the husband, the uncle, the grandpa, the friend, the sweetest man we ever knew. Elden shared 47 fabulous years with his loving and devoted wife, Sharon, who will miss him dearly. Elden was extremely loving and proud of his surviving children: Rod (Cathie) Merrifield of West Olive, Michigan, Curt (Misty) Hadley of Sandpoint, Idaho, Randy Merrifield, Patti Nelson, and Tom (Robin) Merrifield, all of Bonners Ferry. Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by his big sister Irene Rice and sister-in-law Irma Merrifield, both of Bonners Ferry. Elden was preceded in death by both of his parents, five brothers, and three sisters. Memorial service and reception will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bonners Ferry, February 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. You will always be missed, never forgotten, and forever in our hearts. We love you.