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Joseph c Merriam Jr.
1922 - 2011
Joseph c Merriam Jr.
1922 - 2011
Obituary
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Joseph Merriam Obituary
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2 Entries
Howard Pierson, Ph.D
October 12, 2011
I deeply regret Joe’s death, because it has brought to an end the opportunities that I have had to enjoy his wit and erudition. I found him fascinating to listen to, whether he were pointing out a wildflower, such as a lupine; remarking on a scientific discovery, such as new uses of stem cells and DNA; or expounding his thoughts on the Cabbala, the ancient Judaic tradition of mysticism. His interest in such matters led him to tarry in the hall, listening to Shabbat (Sabbath) services in The Maples library and to try to imitate and enunciate Yiddish expressions that his Jewish fellow residents used. He was a generous man, who gave me his books on birds and on a nineteenth century English ornithologist. I wish I had known that he was a member of the Speckled Band, the Boston division of the Baker Street Irregulars, because I too read Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes mysteries when I was a boy, and I was a member of the Charles Dickens Society of London, in memory of another writer about whom Joe and I probably could have shared many insights.
Joe was typically modest and self-deprecating with reference to his academic and professional achievements, as in meeting the demanding entrance and diploma requirements of Phillips Exeter Academy, Harvard University (whence his fellow Maples resident Dick Karb keeps a copy of the 1940 freshman yearbook, which includes photos of two handsome young scholars, Joe and Dick), and the Boston University Medical School. He spoke little of his research in pathology, but I am sure that he prevented many outbreaks of dangerous pathogens. It is also said at The Maples that Joe enlisted in the British army during World War II and served as a medic and ambulance driver in India when the Japanese military invaded. Even if he didn’t, and despite his self-effacing demeanor, I think he was a brave man and a true patriot, and I thank him for helping us veterans in any way to win the most threatening and just war in our history.
Alas! Would that Joe were still with us, to teach us more about physiology and flowers, to inspire us more to study the world around us, to banter jokes and puns, and to interest us in everything that aroused his enthusiasm. He leaves a void that can’t be filled. Ave atque vale, Joe. Hail and farewell.
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Suzy, Terry,and Lucy Merriam Jones
October 11, 2011
We are very sorry to hear about Jick. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Love,
Suzy, Terry and Lucy
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318 Union Ave, Framingham, MA 01702
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