Rick Merritt

June 27, 1949-May 29, 2012

Estacada resident Rick 'Buck' Merritt died Tuesday, May 29, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Portland. He was 62.

A memorial service with military honors was held at Attrell's Sherwood Funeral Chapel in Sherwood.

A public celebration of Buck's life will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 27 (Buck's 63rd birthday), at the T dock at Promontory Park in Estacada. At his wish, his ashes will be scattered around Oregon.

Buck was born June 27, 1949, in Tillamook to Everett and Bette Merritt.

Buck served as a truck mechanic in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1966 to 1979, and continued with Tillamook Portland Auto Freight after his honorable discharge. He loved fishing, camping and panning for gold. He was known far and wide for road trips with friends that began with his promise of two hours, but could easily take two days.

The final eight years of his life, Buck lived at Silver Fox RV Park, where there always was a fire burning outside so friends could sit around the fire and tell stories.

Buck's door was always open for friends, who say he had the biggest heart and was the best friend anyone could ask for.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bette (Merritt) Lusby, his former wife, Stephanie, and his sister, Gayle Merritt.

Survivors include his father and stepmother, Everett and Joan Merritt; son, Joshua of Louisiana; daughter, Aimee Braukman of Corvallis; brothers, Larry and Tom Merritt; sisters, Lynne Terry, Patti Merritt, Tracie McBeth, Kim Newton and Bonnie Johnston; four grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; caregiver and friend Amy; and his beloved dog, Joe.

Attrell's Sherwood Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.