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Tad Merrick Obituary
He was born in Washington, D.C., Nov. 20, 1951, the son Samuel and Eleanor Perry Merrick.
He was a 1976 graduate of Antioch College where he studied photography and music. He attended the Center for Photographic Studies in Louisville, Ky., receiving the Ralph Eugene Meatyard award.
As a teenager, Mr. Merrick worked on the Phelps farm in Orwell for several summers. He was later employed in San Francisco, Calif., managing an urban farm center, teaching emotionally disturbed youths and working on a salmon fishing boat. For the last 30 years, he was a commercial photographer and local artist on Main Street in Middlebury.
He enjoyed skiing, mountain biking and hiking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. He was a bass guitarist and played with local bands.
Survivors include his wife, Janice Mead of Brandon; two children, Samuel of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Natalie of Pittsburgh, Pa.; two brothers, Rod Merrick of Portland, Ore., and Gregory Merrick of Mineral Springs, Wis.; and three nephews.
The celebration of his life will be held at 4 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Brandon Inn.
Memorial contributions may be made to Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495; or Friends of Otter Valley Music, in care of Otter Valley Union High School, Franklin Street, Brandon, VT 05733.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tad Merrick
allan siegel
November 8, 2012
Dear Janice, Natalie, and Sam,
I was fortunate to know Tad at Antioch College.
I was more fortunate to spend 10 days hiking with Tad and Ken Sher above the timberline, cross countrying through the untrailed high country of one of the most beautiful areas in the world - Kings Canyon. Though we experienced this in 1980 not a day has passed that I have not thought about our experience together: the austere grandeur of snow, ice, rock, and water at 13,000 feet; the parts of 3 days huddles tentless under a small rain fly in an August blizzard, the 3 of us good naturally choreography every movement in order to stay dry; how exquisite top raman tasted; how we danced over bouldered cliffs as if we wore wings; the trust and confidence I had in my two adventurous partners. It was the first time I had been blessed with the rapture of a true wilderness experience. It was transforming. Thanks, Tad. This will always live in me.
Two images I have. The first is imbedded in my memory of a photograph that is buried somewhere. Tad, on the knife edge ridge above 13,000 standing like a sentinel about a quarter mile from where I am taking the photo. I am imprinted with the image of Tad as John Muir. Taking in the breathtaking magic of this country, I can even now hear him say "sublime."
Another image from this trip is framed on my dining room wall - my favorite photo of any of my many backpacks. From that hike, I was so proud of this photo of the stark, glaciated, sawtooth peaks Scylla and Charybdis that I spent more than I could afford at the time to have it professionally developed, mounted and framed. Showing it to friends over the years, I took great pride in being able to journey to such a place and to have the surprising talent to compose such an amazing photo. Hah! Tad visited me in Portland about 20 years ago. He patiently and sympathetically reminded me that he had borrowed my camera. Explaining in detail how he had set the exposure, timing, and framing, I was as impressed with his memory of the shot 10 years later as I was deflated to learn that I hadn't taken it..... It's OK. I have since gotten over it. My lacking talent is more than compensated by my pride in owning an original one of a kind Tad Merrick photo. He was one of a kind.
My thought are with all of you. - Allan Siegel
Tad's smile could light up the room (Tad, Natalie, Corey, Kalle)
Corey Robinson
November 5, 2012
Dear Janice, Natalie, and Sam,
When I think of Tad, I can't help but hear his booming laugh that could be heard from anywhere in the house. I wish I could have made it to his celebration of life to see everyone and reminisce. I hope that I get a chance to see you all over the holidays.
Take Care,
Corey
Eugenie Coursey
November 1, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Tad's passing. I did not know him very well but I do remember him always smiling. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family at this time.
Floyd Scholz
November 1, 2012
Tad was simply a good decent and honest person...He brought out the best in those around him...
I`ve lost a brother....
Ali Flewelling
November 1, 2012
Merrick Family,
I will start by saying that I am deeply saddened by your loss. Tad was a wonderful man who shared his joy for life with everyone he knew. I fondly remember him putting together the Otter Follies talent show, when he approached me one year to ask if I would sing at the show. I graciously accepted and was so thankful for his kind words and support. His passion for music was evident, as it is with Sam and Natalie. An active community member, an artist and an overall kind spirited man. Tad will be remembered with a smile.
Andy Snyder
November 1, 2012
Dear Janice, Sam and Natalie-
All warmth and heartfelt love come your way. Tad was a gift on earth and will always remain a strong force in spirit.
Linda & Bob Schmidt
October 31, 2012
Janice, Sam & Natalie, We were so sorry to hear that Tad had passed away. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Scott & Steph Barker
October 30, 2012
Janice, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know we are thinking of you and your family with sorrow in our hearts. He will forever live in your memories. We love you. Scott, Steph, Ryan and Emily Barker
October 29, 2012
You couldn't meet up with Tad and not be laughing within minutes. I am so sorry for your great loss, Janice, Natalie and Sam.
Carolyn LaRose
October 29, 2012
Janice, though I never met you or your children, I have known Tad for 22 years through my position here at the Athletic Department at Middlebury College. I always enjoyed going to the office to give him a hard time and he was always good about giving it back. I am so very sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed by many.
Christy Alger
October 29, 2012
Tad was so dear to the hearts of Sally and Hester Phelps-arelationship unique and true through time. My sympathy is extended to all.
Kevin Robbins
October 29, 2012
Janice..my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I was very sad to hear of Tad's passing.
Brenda McAtee
October 29, 2012
How sad to learn of Tad's passing. RIP In loving memory of a wonderful person. He will be loved, and missed always.
Jacqueline Carrigan
October 29, 2012
Tad was such a bright spot in life, as he will continue to be in memory. May the pain of this loss somehow subside as you continue to receive the love and prayers of all the heavy hearts sharing it with you. ~ Blessings
Caleb and Natasha Kenna
October 29, 2012
We were so sad to hear the news of Tad's passing. He had such a passion for life and it showed in his easy going manner and quick smile. For a last minute photo shoot for Sierra Magazine, he rescued me with his lights, technical knowledge and humor. He was there as we burned a bonfire at my brother's memorial. And he was there at Mount Pleasant on a beautiful summer day, taking pictures, surrounded by his family and friends, walking away down a sunlit path. He will be greatly missed.
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