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Monte Merrick Obituary

October 6, 1949 - March 24, 2015 Beloved brother, uncle and friend Monte L. Merrick died peacefully on March 24, 2015 in Santa Monica, California, following a courageous battle with cancer. He will be missed greatly by so many who knew him as a caring and genuine man with many interests and creative talents. Monte was born October 6, 1949 in Portland, Oregon to his parents, Arthur P. and Pearl Merrick, who predeceased him. He is survived by four siblings: Art (Velva) Merrick of Santa Fe, NM; Blake (Kimberly) Merrick of Phoenix, AZ; MarKay Merrick (Steve Spaulding) of Gresham, OR; and Lori Merrick Silkwood of Tucker, GA, and her children, Hanna and Aaron Silkwood. A creative genius, Monte was an accomplished and successful playwright, novelist and screenwriter. His first novel, "Shelter," was published in many languages. His screen credits include writing such hit films as "Memphis Belle," "8 Seconds," and "Mr. Baseball." His plays were produced off-Broadway and in theaters across the country; they include "Open Heart" and "A Hell of a Town." He traveled the world widely for many years. He was devoted to opera and symphony music, reading, movies and theater. He is a graduate of Lewis & Clark College in Portland and holds a master's degree in theater from the University of Colorado in Boulder. No memorial service has been planned, but donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Apr. 10, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Monte Merrick

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John Henry Davis

April 16, 2015

FOR ALL WHO LOVED MONTE: THERE IS A CELEBRATION OF LIFE OF MONTE MERRICK

WHEN: Sunday, July 26, from 5 - 9 p.m.

WHERE: 1909 North Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Topanga, California.

For more information, to RSVP, and to donate funds for this event, please go to the Facebook Event page Celebration of the Life of Monte Merrick or call 818-784-7795. The URL is
The URL is:
https://www.facebook.com/events/915971445127604/

Monte was my dear friend of 42 years, we worked together, played together, critiqued each other, shared friends and confidences and lived life to the fullest. He was an inspiration to me as an artist and a human being who overcame so many challenging difficulties to come out the other side. He was a brave, gentle, and heroic soul who didn't sentimentalize the world but rendered it poetically in his beautiful writings. His loss is a terrible tragedy. However for all of us who knew him and loved him I know his spirit lives on within us.

Patti Steffen

April 13, 2015

I loved Monte and will always miss him. He was a beautiful, gentle spirit!! I'm blessed to have known him and to call him friend.

Dan Steffen

April 13, 2015

I miss Monte every day and still can't believe he is gone. He was a valued friend and an inspiration to me. He was quiet yet strong and the way he dealt with life's obstacles taught me valuable lessons that will stay with me forever. I hope there is good coversation, great books and wonderful films keeping him company today and forever.

Steve Knox

April 11, 2015

Monte shone a light of understanding and compassion on our human frailties. He has touched the lives of so very many with whom he worked and knew socially. That his final days were hourly monitored by a legion who loved him is testament to the memory of warmth we felt from his truly Open Heart.

Chrisse Roccaro

April 10, 2015

Missing you every day, one day at a time.

April 10, 2015

You will be missed more than words can say...

Mike Merrick

April 10, 2015

Monte was a intelligent, thoughtful, and kind soul and all his cousins and their families feel a great loss within our Merrick clan. We are all so grateful to have known Monte while he was with us and we are equally grateful to have been touched by his creative genius. Our thoughts, prayers, and our deepest sympathy go out to all our Merrick cousins, Monte's brothers and sisters, and their families.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

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