Jerry Merryman lived in Anchorage for 17 years and his ‘home away from home’ was The Raven. He died of massive heart failure on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011 in Alturas, California.

A friend who also used to live in Anchorage sent the obituary to Bent Alaska today. Jerry’s family did not know how to contact his friends in Alaska (and did not acknowledge in the obituary that he was gay.)

Our condolences to his friends and relatives.

Here is the obituary written by his family:

Gerald Henry Merryman
June 14, 1938 – Jan. 18, 2011

Gerald Henry Merryman passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Jan. 18 of massive heart failure. He was born in San Jose in 1938, the second son of Ray and Ruth Merryman.

The family moved to Turlock in 1951. He graduated from Turlock High School in 1956 and then attended San Jose State College. Before completing his studies Gerald joined the Navy and spent 4 years serving his country. When he returned he enrolled in Stanislaus State to continue his education and graduated in 1964. The following year he earned his teaching credential and taught middle school. Around this time he married Antionette Irvine, but a short time later they divorced and he stayed single for the rest of his life. He left teaching and traveled extensively, finding employment in various fields and places. He traveled to Alaska where he eventually found a job working for the Bureau of Weights and Measures. This lasted nearly 17 years until he was injured on the job and forced to retire. He then returned to Turlock to take care of his father until Ray passed away in 1996 (Ruth passed away 3 years earlier). Approximately 3 years later he moved to Alturas and lived there until his death.

Jerry Merryman had many interests in life, first among them being family. He loved travelling, he read extensively, loved movies, loved classical music and was an advocate for human and animal rights. He contributed to various animal rights groups and was a card carrying, dues paying member of the Humane Society.

He is survived by his beloved cat, Trooper; his older brother Ron Merryman; his sister Barbara (Merryman) Enright; nephews, Glenn and Adam Merryman; nieces Debbie Merryman and Kim (Merryman) Nesslage; two grand nieces, two grand nephews, two great grand nieces, and a great great niece. His younger brother Dale passed away in 2009.

If you wish to honor his memory make a contribution to the Humane Society in his name.

Jerry Merryman was cremated and there [was] a Celebration of Life Gathering in his memory. The family gather[ed] for a potluck picnic on April 2 at Donnelly Park in Turlock.

If his friends in Anchorage plan a local celebration of life, or create a more complete remembrance of his life in Alaska, we’ll post an update.