Everett Merriman

1938 - 2015

Everett Hale Merriman

August 16, 1938 - June 11, 2015

Passed away in Berkeley, California, surrounded by his family.
Residing in Orinda for over 40 years, he was born in San Francisco to Everett and Miriam Merriman. Raised in San Francisco, he graduated from Lincoln High School and attended the University of California, Berkeley. He enjoyed his fraternity, Sigma Pi, serving as President; being a manager of the football team during their trip to the Rose Bowl; and being in the NROTC. Upon graduation he was honored to serve two years as an officer in the United States Navy. After completing his tour of duty, Everett joined the San Francisco Real Estate office of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. He built his entire career there and, as a native son, felt privileged to work on such projects as the Mark Hopkins Hotel, Ghirardelli Square, and Broadway Plaza Shopping Center, as well as projects in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and Hawaii.
Everett took great joy in encouraging and mentoring his own family as well as many in the business community. He proudly served as a Big Brother for over 25 years. After retiring, he mentored fifth graders at Fruitvale School in Oakland for many years. He cherished his time spent traveling with family and friends, or at Lake Tahoe and Carmel.
A member of the Olympic Club for over 50 years, he also enjoyed membership at Spyglass Hill Golf Club on the Monterey Peninsula. As a Bear Backer, he was a loyal supporter of Cal Athletics.
Everett will be deeply missed by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Gearon Merriman and two daughters, Pamela Merriman Hemming, her husband D. Carter Hemming, and Tricia Merriman Wilkalis. He was adored by seven grandchildren: Merriman L. Hemming, Kendall H. Hemming, twins J. Gregory Hemming and Lindsay R. Hemming, Dylan E. Wilkalis, and twins Drew J. Wilkalis and Whitney R. Wilkalis. He is also survived by his sister Nancy M. Copeland, her husband Marvin V. Copeland, niece Marna C. Taylor, and nephew Bruce E. Copeland. He is deeply missed by his loyal dog and constant companion, Wags.
A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, August 6 at 4pm in the University Club at Memorial Stadium, University of California, Berkeley.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Big Brothers of the Bay Area (649 Mission Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105) or to the Everett Merriman Community Service Award for Cal Football (Checks made payable to UC Regents - Cal Football and sent to the attn: Megan Glasson for the Everett Merriman Award, 195 Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, CA 94720).