MELVIN L. age 90, passed away on August 10, 2012 after a long struggle with Parkinson's. Mel was born in 1921 in Juneau, Alaska to Melvin L. Merritt and Nellie Isabella Merritt. A loving husband, Mel married Thelma Dinwiddie in 1949 in Pasadena, California. He received his Ph.D. (cum laude) in Physics at California Institute of Technology in 1950. He moved to Albuquerque and worked as a physicist at Sandia National Laboratories until his retirement in 1988. During his career he worked in nuclear science and was an author and editor of a book on the environment of Amchitka Island, Alaska. He was a Fellow in Sigma Xi and a member of the American Physical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Planetary Society. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Thelma; his children, Mel Merritt III and wife Cherryl, Audrey Marlar and husband Richard, Linda Bockoven, and Jeannine Maier and husband Don; his sister Alice Petterson; his sisters-in-law Ruby Merritt and Audrey Coffman and husband Sam; his brother-in-law Hal Dinwiddie; his thirteen grandchildren, Courtney, Tristan, Francesca, Kimberly, Alison, Claire, David, Eric, Scott, Andrew, John, Ryan, and Nonie; his four great-grandchildren, Elijah, Dylan, Lelia, and David; and his many loving nieces and nephews. Mel was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Morris Merritt. Mel was a member of First Congregational Church for over 60 years. He was an Eagle Scout; later a Scout Master. He was active in the Albuquerque Coin Club, and Science Fiction Club. He had a great love of the outdoors, and enjoyed to hike and camp. He also loved traveling the world with his wife. Mel was an incredible man, a brilliant scientist, and beloved of many. He was a pillar of strength, dignity and gentleness. He will be greatly missed. Services will be held at UCC First Congregational Church, 2801 Lomas Blvd. NE, on Thursday, August 16, 2012, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Presbyterian Hospice at Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital. Please visit the online guestbook at: riversidefunerals.com
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