Obituary of Dr. Rick Merritt

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Rick Merritt in his 71st year on Thursday, June 30th, 2016. He was surrounded by his loving wife Heather of 40 years and his family. Loving father to his children: Kristen Lewis (Dave), Paul Merritt (Marnie), and Candace Olszewski (Simon). Brother to Dr. Bob Merritt (Sheree) and Linda Bray (Gary), and brother-in-law to Pearl Haggarty. Proud Papa to Cal and Jordyn Lewis; Kennedy, Logan and Mallory Merritt; and his special pets Gucci, Gem and Kingston. Loving Uncle to his many nieces and nephews including: Tara Robinson (Billy), Jay Haggarty (Laura) and Vanessa Haggarty. As Rick’s Doctor of Oncology noted: “He had an incredible fighting spirit and was, in some ways, bigger than this world”. Dr. Rick received his doctor of dental surgery degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1972. He was a long-standing member of several dental associations: ODA, AGD, LDDS and IAO. For over 6 years in the late 1970s, Rick was an International 3M consultant and travelled worldwide lecturing and working on the development of a silver filling replacement alternative. Rick proudly served as past President of The Parkhill Lion’s Club where he was an active member for many years. Dr. Rick’s love for creating and building were instrumental in bringing life back to Parkhill, Ontario, with his many commercial and residential developments, as well as being the driving force in the creation of the largest group of dental centres in the London area known as ‘Dove Dental’. He took great pride in serving his patients, always putting their needs first with a caring and preventative approach. His greatest joy was working with children, which gave him happiness and fulfillment when they would hug him after their treatment. He took time to mentor his associate dentists to always serve the communities and provide care to the underprivileged. Rick’s zest for life, fun and sense of humour brought joy to all around him. He loved the water and was an avid sailing captain. His passions in life included: golfing, scuba diving, skiing, hockey and creating culinary masterpieces (homemade pizzas to famous banana breads). Rick had a true love of music and was a big band trumpet and piano player. He furthered his love by never missing an opportunity to practise his uninhibited dance moves! Whether it was at the Glen Dovet Farm, the lake house or his home in Mexico, Rick took great joy in hosting all large family functions. The family would like to extend their appreciation to all who have sent their thoughts and prayers to him over the past few years. A special thank you to John and Marybeth Drake, for their unconditional love and support; Dr. Mark Vincent and the staff at the London Cancer Centre: Dr. Tina Mele, Dr. James Choi, Dr. Sharon Koivu, Dr. Meg Haggerty; and the many nurses and support staff on the 8th floor at University Hospital, LHSC. A celebration of Dr. Merritt’s life will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Friday, July 8th, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Dr. Rick are asked to consider The Salvation Army, the London Humane Society or the London Regional Cancer Program.