Keith Merrill

1926 - 2016

Keith Merrill
May 17, 1926 - October 12, 2016
Pebble Beach

Dr. Keith E. Merrill, age 90, was born May 17, 1926 in Salt Lake City, UT to Irvine and Viola Merrill. He died October 2, 2016 at his home in Pebble Beach, CA of natural causes. Keith is survived by his beloved wife of almost 69 years, Jean and his 5 children, Alyson Childs (Richard), Scott (Leslie), Bryan, Craig (Lisa), and Doug (Monrudee), 12 grandchildren and 19 great grands. His sisters, Molly Eldredge and Maddy Close also survive him, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was also a patriotic WWII Veteran.
The pursuit of education was important to Keith and he worked hard to achieve his goals. He received his BA from the University of Utah and then began to teach at Dilworth Elementary school. He taught history at South High School in Salt Lake while working on his Master's degree. Keith decided to pursue a doctoral program at the University of CA at Berkeley and moved his growing family from Utah to CA. He received his Doctorate of Education and worked as an administrator of the U of CA and then was offered the position of Dean of Continuing Education and Community Services at Monterey Peninsula College, which also included the night school and classes at Ford Ord. He was charged with expanding these programs, which he did successfully. He held this position from 1964 to 1985 when he retired.
One of Keith's endeavors that he was particularly proud of was his role in helping to establish and lead as the president, the fledgling Alliance on Aging. This organization has since grown and is a vital support to the elderly living on the Monterey Peninsula.
As distinguished as his career was, Keith's most important and revered roles are those of husband, father, and grandfather. His life was an example of love, hard work and dedication to his family. He is loved dearly and will be missed greatly.
A memorial service will be held on October 29th at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 1 Skyline Forest Dr., Monterey CA 93940.


View the online memorial for Keith Merrill