Dr. Rick Merritt
June 30, 2016
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.
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Bob and Linda, I was shocked and saddened to read of Rick's passing! Mom would have been very upset to hear as well if she were still here. She often talked of visits to Rick's with Shirley Powell with great fondness. On behalf of the Kelly family, I wanted to pass on our thoughts and condolences to you both. Lynn
Sincere thoughts and prayers are with you for the loss of your loved one. I came to Canada in 1954 as a landed immigrant from Holland,I was 19,was hired by Rick's Mom and Dad for light housework and babysitting 3 children. Rick was 7, he was a real boy, several times he got in trouble while I babysat. One day he came for lunch, after lunch he was suppose to practice piano however he tried to play the trumpet instead. One night I was babysitting and Rick decided to play a trick on me and hid somewhere in the house, I panicked and called in my broken English his grandparents,they came over and we found him on a shelf in the bedroom.In the summer of 1954 he took me to the post office in the small town of Kearney in a small motorboat.Wonderful but scary memories of Rick at 7 years old Rest in Peace Rick. Alice DeRooy,London ont.1332
Sincere thoughts and prayers are with you for the loss of your loved one. I came to Canada in 1954 as a landed immigrant from Holland,I was 19,was hired by Rick's Mom and Dad for light housework and babysitting 3 children. Rick was 7, he was a real boy, several times he got in trouble while I babysat. One day he came for lunch, after lunch he was suppose to practice piano however he tried to play the trumpet instead. One night I was babysitting and Rick decided to play a trick on me and hid somewhere in the house, I panicked and called in my broken English his grandparents,they came over and we found him on a shelf in the bedroom.In the summer of 1954 he took me to the post office in the small town of Kearney in a small motorboat.Wonderful but scary memories of Rick at 7 years old Rest in Peace Rick. Alice DeRooy,London Ont.
Sincere thoughts and prayers are with you for the loss of your loved one. I came to Canada in 1954 as a landed immigrant from Holland,I was 19,was hired by Rick's Mom and Dad for light housework and babysitting 3 children. Rick was 7, he was a real boy, several times he got in trouble while I babysat. One day he came for lunch, after lunch he was suppose to practice piano however he tried to play the trumpet instead. One night I was babysitting and Rick decided to play a trick on me and hid somewhere in the house, I panicked and called in my broken English his grandparents,they came over and we found him on a shelf in the bedroom.In the summer of 1954 he took me to the post office in the small town of Kearney in a small motorboat.Wonderful but scary memories of Rick at 7 years old Rest in Peace Rick. Alice DeRooy,London Ont.
Sincere thoughts and prayers are with you for the loss of your loved one. I came to Canada in 1954 as a landed immigrant from Holland,I was 19,was hired by Rick's Mom and Dad for light housework and babysitting 3 children. Rick was 7, he was a real boy, several times he got in trouble while I babysat. One day he came for lunch, after lunch he was suppose to practice piano however he tried to play the trumpet instead. One night I was babysitting and Rick decided to play a trick on me and hid somewhere in the house, I panicked and called in my broken English his grandparents,they came over and we found him on a shelf in the bedroom.In the summer of 1954 he took me to the post office in the small town of Kearney in a small motorboat.Wonderful but scary memories of Rick at 7 years old Rest in Peace Rick. Alice DeRooy,London Ont.
Dear Heather, My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one, Dr. Rick Merritt rest in peace.
Dear Heather and family, My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family.I am truly sorry for your loss. It was an honor to have known Rick. he was a great person. May God embrace you in comfort during this difficult time.
Our hearts and prayers we send to you in this time of loss.
(Donated to London Humane Society)
(Donated to The Salvation Army)
(Donated to The Salvation Army)
We are so sad to hear of Rick's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his familty at this difficult time.
(Donated to The Salvation Army)
(Donated to The Salvation Army)
(Donated to London Humane Society)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
(Donated to London Humane Society)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
(Donated to The Salvation Army)
(Donated to The Salvation Army)
(Donated to London Humane Society)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
We were saddened to hear of Rick's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Heather and the family.
So very sorry to see Dr. Rick pass. He was a wonderful guy. I had the pleasure of working for Dr. Merritt in several of his dental practices. He was a happy, gentle guy who really cared about his patients and his staff. Rest in Peace Dr. Rick. I send my deepest sympathies to his family. May love and light be with you at this difficult time.
Condolences to Rick's family. Although I have not seen Rick since Doug Merritt's wedding, I will never forget him. He would touch everyone's life that had the privilege of knowing him. I remember when he made me ski down the expert run at Mt Tremblant even though it was my first time on skis. But that was Rick. He was always up to a challenge and expected no less from all that knew him. He introduced me to "finer" things in life although not the healthiest such as fine Cuban Cigars, the best cognacs, rare prime rib and 20 oz. steaks. He is gone way too soon but will never be forgotten. Danny Slipacoff
I would like to. Send my deepest sympathy to a) the family. Rick will be missed by many. I was lucky to worl with Rick when i was first hired at dove and was a new grad. I had the chance to learn from him and have some laughs. Rest in peace Rick i am sure theres wings waiting for you.
Wishing your family comfort in form of the most beautiful memories. With love from the Micallef Family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficulty time. Your dad will be missed my many. Condolences to you family.
We send our sympathies on the loss of your loved one. Dr. Rick will always be in our memories as our dentist and our friend. David, Muriel, Aaron and Ruth-Ann
Dear Kristen and the Merritt Family, Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your Dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. Sending you lots of love and best wishes.
rick was my dental guy for years sorry to find out he passed away he always gave me good sevice when i need it rip rick len barnes
I had the pleasure to work with Dr. Merritt a short while. He was a man of integrity and strength. May the heavens adore you as the people did here of your greatest gifts "you" My deepest sympathy to your loved ones at this time. A toast to a great man!
Heather and Bob....Greg and I send our deepest sympathies in Rick's passing. You will miss your husband and brother. Our thoughts are with your families . May your memories help you through this difficult time. Thinking of you all.
Kristen & family: So sorry to hear about your loss. The few times we met Rick he was always so welcoming and happy to see us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. Sending you lots of love and prayers
I send all my love, my thoughts and prayers! Huge xoxo's! Rest in peace Dr Merritt 😚😙
Dear Heather: Please accept my sincerest condolences on the sad demise of Dr. Merritt. May God give you and your family the strength to bear this loss.
It is with great sadness that we have heard of your loss. Though we only had one visit where we had a chance to get to know Rick, we enjoyed his sense of humor and zeal for living life. He will be remembered we are sure by his many patients, extended family and wide circle of friends. People like Rick are one in a million. So Sad. All of our love to Heather, her children, grand children, nieces and nephews, and close friends who have lost a truly great man.
I knew Rick to be a dentist who had a vision and an unwavering ability to work hard to achieve it. His strengths were his outstanding skills, open and resourceful mind and a very supportive wife. He was a person who, once you knew him, you'd always remember him. May he rest in peace.
We send our deepest condolences to all who were touched by this incredible man. We never had the pleasure of meeting him, but the tribute speaks volume to the life he lived and his passion for his family, friends and dental practice. Peace and blessings.
Our condolences to Rick's family with special thoughts being sent Bob's way. We will be unable to attend the service but our hearts will be with you. May your memories support you through difficult moments.
Dear Kristen, Dave and the Merritt Family, Our deepest sympathies upon hearing about the loss of your Dad "Dr. Rick Merritt". What a wonderfully written obituary - a true tribute to man has has definitely shaped the lives of many within your own family, but also in your community!
Dear Heather, I am very sad to know about this heartbreaking news. Dr. Rick was a great mentor and I admire him very much for his passion for dental profession. I am very grateful for his tireless efforts to coach us young dentists. He was a very kind, respectable man with great sense of humour. I am truly going to miss him. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Dear Heather and Family, my deepest and heartfelt condolences are with you and the rest of the family. Dr Merritt was a remarkable individual in my eyes and my family's eyes. I am truly grateful for the impact he had on me and my career and do miss him terribly. Prayers from myself, my family and my entire staff go out to you and your loved ones to manage this difficult time and as well we need to celebrate this enormous legacy Dr Merritt has left for all of us to share.
Dear Heather and family, Susan and I are greatly saddened by Rick's passing and are very sorry for your loss. I first met Rick (& Heather) around 1987 as one of his practices was just a few doors down from my place of work. He had a large, fun, energetic personality that welcomed everyone he met. He quickly became my doctor and my friend. Over the years I was always in awe of Rick's drive and boundless energy. Whether it be business, family, travelling the world or pursuing one of his hobbies Rick had a drive and enthusiasm that was both rare and infectious. Even when he was facing his health challenges he kept pressing forward; he was a true force to be reckoned with! Rick was a kind, generous, caring and dynamic person. I will miss my friend. We are thinking of you and wishing you peace at this difficult time.
Heather and family.....so very sad to hear of Rick's passing.He was a huge part for many years in our family for our perfect 'smiles'.May you find strength and peace knowing that he brought much devotion and knowledge to the world of dentistry.He was an amazing man and will be missed........Rest peacefully Dr.Rick Sue and family
We are all very sad to hear about Dr. Merritt's passing away. Our thoughts and prayers for the family. Dr. Merritt was a great support and mentor for me during my employment by Dove and the rest of the associates. He made a difference in everybody's life with his generosity and kindness. We will all miss him, may he rest in peace.
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