Milton "Bud" Mercer

MERCER, Milton Thorp "Bud" (Age 71) Of Prosser, Washington died Wednesday, August 11, 2010 following a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was born in Yakima on October 5, 1938 to Milton "Milt Sr." and Carma (Sharp) Mercer. Bud and his wife, Patsy, lived in Prosser where he was a pioneer in the Horse Heaven Hills irrigated agricultural industry. Bud became a leader in the farming business over the course of his life. The family founded Mercer Ranches, Inc. in 1968 that now operates as Mercer Canyons under son Rob Mercer's leadership. Rob and Bud, together with Mike Hogue and Ron Harle, founded Mercer Estates Winery. Bud made valuable contributions to the irrigated agricultural industry and received numerous awards for them throughout his life. He invested his time, effort and resources to support people, ideas and opportunities he believed would make a difference to the industry. His zest for life, wit and humor brought much enjoyment to a wide circle of family, friends and colleagues. Bud is survived by his beloved wife Patsy; children Julie Mercer of Seattle, Robert and Brenda Mercer of Richland, Lisa and Stan Cramer of Post Falls, Idaho, Willis and Piper Mercer of Richland and Mark and Laura Buckley of Federal Way; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers, Don and Rick Mercer of Prosser. Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Milt Sr. and Carma Mercer and daughter, Caren Andreasen. Visitation will be at Prosser Funeral Home, 3:00-7:00 pm on Sunday, August 15th. A Private graveside service will be held in the Prosser Cemetery. A life celebration service will be held Saturday, August 21st, 10:00 am at Mercer Meadows, on the Mercer Canyon's farm, 495 Alderdale Road in Prosser, with a reception to follow at Mercer Estates Winery in Prosser. Memorial contributions can be made to the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center or WSU Agricultural Research Center, c/o Prosser Funeral Home, P.O. Box 409, Prosser, WA 99350.