Meeker, Obituaries

Obituary: Dick Livingston Merriam

Dick Merriam
Dick Merriam
Dick Livingston Merriam, born Jan. 6, 1926 in Manti, Utah, to Edwin Lorin and Isabell (Livingston) Merriam, passed away Jan. 23, 2014, at the Walbridge Wing in Meeker, Colo.
Dick grew up in Manti, and was the youngest of five children. While still in school, he worked for Blackham, a turkey farmer.
His brother, DeWayne, came to Colorado to work with an uncle who had sheep ranches, and, after being graduated from high school, Dick joined DeWayne herding sheep.
The uncle set the boys up with a sheep ranch, which included Scenery Gulch, Smith Gulch, the old “Fritzlan Place,” and the Ward ranch (which is now Rio Blanco Lake). Their permits included Lost Solar, Long Park and some patented land just across from Lake Avery.
On a trip to Meeker for supplies, Dick met the love of his life, Nyla Taylor, who happened to be working at her father’s general store. They were married Feb. 21, 1948. To this union, five children were born: John (Sally), Donald (Kathy), Gary (Patti), Joyce (Dale), and Gordon (Beth).
After their uncle passed away, they sold the sheep. Dick’s career then became a propane gas delivery route driver with Household Gas, later sold to CalGas, where Dick was plant manager and serviceman.
Dick served on the Meeker Town Council for two terms, during which time the town received the Walbridge Trust. He was instrumental in helping establish the Walbridge Wing Long-Term Nursing Facility.
He also served on the Meeker Sanitation Board, Pioneers Hospital Board and more than 17 years on the Meeker Fire Department and ambulance service. Now there are three generations of Merriam firefighters, and he was very proud of that.
After retiring, Dick spent time enjoying his family, including 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
He and Nyla spent a lot of time on bleachers and in gyms watching their kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events and other activities. He also played a vital part in building the John B. Irwin baseball field.
Preceding Dick in death were: his parents; sisters Erma, Illa and Zada; his brother DeWayne; his son-in-law, Dale Hawkins; and a grandson, Jason Merriam.
In addition to his wife of 65 years, he is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends.
Dick was known for his glib remarks and sense of humor; he never knew a stranger. Many fond memories of his laugh and the many kindnesses he extended to friends and neighbors by mowing their lawns and shoveling snow.
Donations to Meeker Fire and Rescue or Meeker Walbridge Wing may be made in lieu of flowers.

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It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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4 days ago
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A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
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The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
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Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
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