Marriner W. Merrill

Marriner Merrill Obituary

Marriner W. Merrill M.D., F.A. C. S. was born January 16, 1909 in Wellsville, Utah. His parents were Preston Reynolds Merrill, M.D. and Mildred Lowe Merrill. He graduated from Northwestern University Medical School (Chicago, IL) in 1934 and served his internship at St Luke's Hospital (Chicago, IL) and Passavant Hospital (Chicago, IL). He chose the same medical school his father graduated from in 1904. Dr. Merrill first practiced medicine in Richmond, Utah before moving to Phoenix, AZ. He interrupted his medical practice in Phoenix to volunteer in the Army Air Force during World War II as a medical officer with the rank of Captain. After his discharge from the service he resumed his practice in Phoenix. He continued post-graduate studies which led to his being accepted as a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Merrill served as Chief of Staff at St. Joseph Medical Hospital. He was a devoted doctor, loved by his patients and associates. Upon his return from military service he was instrumental in forming a group of investors who purchased the Engleside Golf Course (which later became the Arizona Country Club), where he served as president for two years. He was also a longtime member of the Phoenix Country Club and enjoyed played golf until he was 95 years old. He was a member of All Saints' Episcopal Church in Phoenix. Preceding him in death are his parents, his wife Claire, his sister Jane James and brother Robert Merrill M.D. He is survived by his second wife Anita Banbury Merrill: his sisters Beth Fillmore of San Francisco, CA and Dorothy Rowland of La Jolla, CA: his three children - Claire O'Connell of Los Angeles, California, Craig Merrill (Helen) of Bainbridge Island, Washington and Carolyn Martin of Berkeley, California; his three step-children - John C. Banbury (Lois) of Aurora, Illinois and Carol Brown (Michael) and Linda Herrington (Michael) of Phoenix, Arizona; eight grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was an avid fly fisherman with many trips to Canada, Mexico, Alaska, the Northwestern United States and Arizona. Private services are being held by the family. Please direct any contributions to: Hospice of Arizona, 2222 W. Northern Ave Phoenix, AZ 85021 or All Saints' Episcopal Church. 6300 N. Central Ave Phoenix, AZ.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Apr. 26, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Marriner Merrill

1 Entry

Sarah Stockton

April 28, 2007

Dr. Mariner Wood Merrill was better known to me as Grandpa. He was always a hero of mine. A retired surgeon, golfer, fly fisherman, teller of great stories, generous to his children and grandchildren. I remember Grandpa giving me me chores to do when I visited during childhood summers, which I appreciated in a grudging sort of way :)- I liked feeling like I was pulling my weight. And I owe my passion for football games directly to him!

More importantly, Grandpa showed me by example that being successful includes things like: getting up early when you don't want to; working beyond your own limits when needed, and being professional in every aspect of your chosen field.

I loved my grandpa. His values will always live on in my heart and in the way I do my job, both as a parent and in my career.

When I sent him my last book, he took the time to call me up and thank me and to tell me what he liked about it, how much he enjoyed reading it. It meant a lot to me in my own professional career as a writer but it also warmed my heart.

Lessons from my Grandfather:

Do what you love and the money will follow: I have come to realize that this really means, "do what you love and the money will seem like enough: do what you hate and the money is never enough." Sure, he was fortunate that what he liked to do paid well, but I believe he would have done it anyway.

Help others to help themselves: Grandpa always helped enough to get me to the next step, but I still had to go on from there on my own, which made me believe in myself and my own abilities.

Work before you play: play or rest, without having earned it first, is never as sweet.

Love your work and people will love you for it.
Grandpa was very popular with his patients because he was good at it, but also because he so obviously loved being their doctor.

Above all, he taught me to relish a job well done, to enjoy the tasks as well as the fruits of my labor, and to not be afraid to enjoy success. My grandfather's life was everything he could hope for. It was about the love of the task in front of you- and if you are engaged in that kind of life, there's no need to look for ways to be happy. Happiness finds you.

I know he'd be delighted that my son, his great-grandson, Clancy, is off to Chicago in the fall to attend college at DePaul University- it gives me joy to think of Clancy exploring the same city where Grandpa first got started in his own education and profession.

I'll miss you Grandpa- thank you for everything.