Merlin Barkdull

Merlin Barkdull died peacefully on July 22, 2009. He was 80 years old at the time of his death.

He was born Oct. 1, 1928, in Shelley, Idaho, to Lester and Mabel (Jones) Barkdull.

Merlin grew up in Idaho and attended Shoshone High School where he played football and boxed. He graduated May 26, 1946. He joined the Navy in 1948 where he hoped to continue his interest in diesel mechanics, but instead got his start in aviation.

While in the Navy, a side interest of his was boxing where he earned the Silver Glove. When he was discharged from the Navy, he returned to Idaho and took over the family farm. He met Katherine Aletha Campbell, and they were married on July 12, 1953, in Shoshone, Idaho.

He began a long career in aviation when he went to school at Idaho State T&I, graduating in June of 1956. He applied for a job with Fairbanks Flying Service in Alaska through the mail and was hired by Hawley Evans. Merlin and his wife along with two young children, drove the Alaska Highway arriving in Fairbanks at the beginning of a cold winter in September 1956.

He was a master mechanic with A & P and AI licenses. He was known as "Merlin the Magician" or "Merlin the Magnificent" for his expertise and the trust that he built. Merlin was a top mechanic in the pioneering years of Alaskan aviation. After 50 years in aviation Merlin retired from Larry's Flying Service in October 2001.

Merlin was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. He was an avid bowler and played on several leagues at the Arctic Bowl. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and went on yearly moose hunting trips with his sons and friends.

Merlin is with his wife, Katherine, who died on May 31, 1996. He also is reunited with his parents, Lester and Mabel, and his brothers and sisters, Melvin, Wayne, Bonita and Darlene.

Merlin is survived by his five children: John L. with partner Teri, Jacqueline K. with partner Mike, Mark W. with wife Margie, Scott A. with wife Jan, and Matthew R. with wife Elizabeth. He leaves behind his grandchildren: Stephanie, Abram, Alyssa, David A., David B., Justen, Aaron, Kalee, Scotty, Cody, Allison, Matthew, Adria, Megan, Dorian, Emily and Johnna; 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by his sister, Alberta in Idaho; brother, Lynn with his wife Darla in Washington, and many other extended family members.

A memorial service will be held today, July 29, 2009, 4:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 2980 Davis Road. Pastor Philip Kuehnert will officiate. A reception will follow immediately at the church. Merlin will be placed to rest with his wife, Katherine.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial donations to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.