Obituary of Robert Isaac Merritt
DR. ROBERT ISAAC MERRITT (DR. BOB)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
Bob passed away peacefully at NHS St. Catharines site on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at the age of 94, after a short illness. Loving husband of Marje for over 27 years. Beloved father of Rick (Carol), Chris (Rosemary), Martha Chown (Roger); stepfather of Triina Forbell (Chris), Aimee Karner (Alek); brother of Carol Hodgkins (the late Lorne).
A very devoted grandpa to Chris (Courtney), David (Andrea), Rob (Christina), Laura, Alexandra (Lucas Palamarchuk), Mackenzie Chown (Kylee Hinde), Emma Chown, step-grandpa to Spencer and Jackson Forbell, Adrian, Stefan, and Ryan Sacco.
The best Great Grandpa Bob to Nick, Daniela, and Charlotte Merritt.
A lover of all the family pets, especially his beloved Monroe.
Bob was born on a dairy farm in Smithville, Ontario in 1926. As a young boy he helped his father deliver milk with their horse Nelly in the mornings before school. He graduated from Queen’s University Medical School, Kingston, Ontario in 1950. He then did a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1954, he returned to Queen’s University Medical School as Professor of Medicine, practiced OBGYN, and conducted medical research. In 1966, he returned to the Niagara region and established a private practice in St. Catharines. He stopped counting deliveries at 8,000 babies. After retiring from active practice, he served many years as a Regional Coroner and National Hospital Accreditor.
Bob was an active parishioner of St. Julia’s Catholic Church. He faithfully helped on the altar at daily mass over many years, a service born of a deep abiding faith in the goodness of God and the importance of living his faith in community.
Bob was active in Alcoholics Anonymous achieving sobriety and was dedicated in helping countless people on their road to sobriety. Bob and Marje had many wonderful trips some of which were to Europe (especially Estonia), the Holy Land, multiple cruises, and of course their beloved Aruba where they spent 4 weeks each year for over 32 years including 2020!
His leisure activities at various times included: gentleman farming; breeding and racing thoroughbred racehorses; gardening; and collecting antiques, stamps and coins. He also enjoyed playing cards at his friendly poker nights and blackjack at the casino. He was an enthusiastic supporter and spectator of anything his children, grandchildren, or friends were participating in. He was a lover of music and sang in both church and regional choirs.
We believe that the spirit of this good man will live in each of us as we remember and celebrate his life and as we follow in his footsteps, learning from his art of living, an art which he truly mastered. May we, like Bob, cherish family, and the big and little joys of life.
Arrangements have been entrusted with George Darte Funeral Home 585 Carlton St. If desired donations in memory of Bob may be made to the Niagara Health Foundation.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a private Funeral Mass will be held at St. Julia’s parish Tuesday, January 19th at 1PM and a Celebration of Life will take place later as permitted, when it is safe to gather in person.
Dr. Bob Merritt's Funeral Mass Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/c/StJuliaRomanCatholicChurchStCatharines
