John E. Merritt

John E. Merritt Aug. 1, 1964 - June 24, 2008 Resident of Walnut Creek Dr. John E. Merritt unexpectedly passed away on June 24, 2008. John was born in Pennsylvania on August 1, 1964. After receiving his Doctorate degree in organic Chemistry from Brandeis University, MA, in 1991, he spent 3 years at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, where he met his wife, Hanne. John and Hanne were married in Copenhagen, Denmark in September 1993 and the following year a new job took them to Walnut Creek. John worked in a small Biotech company as a chemist for 10 years, before he opened "It's a Grind" coffee house in Walnut Creek. He enjoyed the ocean as well as nature, and was a very experienced scuba diver, surfer and sailor. He didn't get to fulfill his dream of single handedly sailing his boat from San Francisco to Hawaii, but he spent 5 weeks sailing from Auckland, New Zealand to Tahiti and to his delight, experienced the "Roaring 40's". If not by or in the water, he loved to spend his time with his family, snowboarding with his son, taking the dog to the new dog park, watching his son play soccer, going camping with friends, and as an avid photographer, he spent hours hiking in the area taking pictures. John is survived by his beloved wife of 14 years, Hanne, and son, Patrick. He is also survived by his brother David Merritt and family, NJ, his sister Deborah Wassmer and family, NJ, Grandmother Eleanor Markey, PA, as well as his nephew, nieces, aunts and uncles, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, John T. and Carole Merritt. Family and friends are invited to attend a Viewing on Sunday June 29 from 2 PM to 5 PM at Hull's Walnut Creek Chapel, 1139 Saranap Ave., Walnut Creek. An account in trust of his son, has been set up and memorial contributions are suggested in lieu of flowers to: H. Merritt, PO Box 3295, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. Hull's Walnut Creek Chapel (925) 934-5400