Merril Duffin

1937 - 2017

Born July 10, 1937, in Aberdeen, Idaho, to Karl and Wanda Duffin, Merril was the second of seven children. Merril grew up on a family farm in Aberdeen working with his father and siblings. From these experiences, he developed a love of the outdoors. Merril spent many hours hunting and fishing with his brothers, LaMar and Grant. Merril also enjoyed cars and would spend his free time repairing engines. Merril attended Aberdeen High School, where he was actively involved in varsity football, basketball and baseball. He was a letterman in each sport.

Following his graduation from Aberdeen High School, Merril moved to Logan, Utah, where he attended Utah State University. He then moved to Salt Lake City to attend Utah Electrical College, where he majored in metrology. After graduating from Utah Electrical College, Merril began his career working at Sperry Rand Corporation, where he met Patricia Tschaggeny. They were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on Aug. 31, 1960. Merril's career took him to various cities throughout the West before settling in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Merril and Pat had five children. The couple later divorced.

Merril worked at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory near Idaho Falls. Following his retirement from the laboratory, he traveled extensively, working as a consultant throughout the United States.

Later, Merril met and married Caroline Shaunna Thompson. The couple lived in Idaho Falls, spending their time in the community organic garden, taking first place one year. Merril was always eager to share his harvest with family and friends. Merril and Shaunna also shared an interest in vitamins and essential oils. Merril was also instrumental in helping Shaunna build The Idaho Children's Dance Theater, where they performed the Nutcracker Ballet several times in the Civic Auditorium and also performing the ballet in the Hillcrest Performing Arts Center. He also inspired Shaunna to teach special needs youth in the area, to help them express themselves emotionally through creative ballet movement.

Merril is survived by his wife, Caroline Shaunna Duffin; his children; and Shaunna's six children. He is also survived by his siblings, Renae (Dale) Pelo, of Orem, Utah; Grant (Laurelle) Duffin, of Brigham City, Utah; Elaine (Dan) Rasmussen, of St. George, Utah; LaNell Duffin, of Idaho Falls; 15 of his grandchildren and 19 of Shaunna's grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Merril Jay Duffin Jr.; brother, LarMar Duffin; and sister, Beth Duffin.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 23, at Ammon LDS 23rd Ward, 4030 John Adams Parkway, with Bishop Isaac Simpson officiating. The family will visit with friends from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.