Gifford C. Merchant

    MERCHANT, Gifford C., 84, ASHLAND, October 19, 2010. Arrangements are in the care of Ouellette Funeral Home, Ashland.

ASHLAND – Gifford C. Merchant, 84, died October 19, 2010, at a Presque Isle hospital following a brief illness. He was born in Winter Harbor, Feb. 1, 1926, the son of Lester and Carrie (Cowperthwaite) Merchant. He was a graduate of Winter Harbor High School and received a bachelor of science degree, summa cum Laude, in Forestry from the University of Maine.
    At an early age, he realized that his dedication to his country was important, so he enlisted in the US Army and served as a paratrooper. It was upon his discharge that he enrolled in the forestry program at U Maine under the GI Bill. He was employed by International Paper Company for 34 years, retiring as the superintendent for the northern section of Maine. Having lived and worked in the Mattawamkeag area for many years prior to moving to Ashland, he was very involved in his communities and civic affairs. He was a Boy Scout Master for the Mattawamkeag troop, and also taught in the junior NRA Club for youth.
    Mr. Merchant was an avid snowmobiler and was passionately involved in the Ashland Snowmobile Club. He was a member of the Masonic Pine Tree Lodge # 172, AF & AM of Mattawamkeag, and was a life member of the LeBlanc-Junkins VFW Post 9699 of Ashland. He was a former member of the Ashland Rod and Gun Club, a member of the NRA and SAM, and the local RSVP. He was a beloved father, grandfather and a dear friend to many.
    He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Saliba and her husband, Stephen of Brewer; one stepson, Lawrence D. Merchant, Sr., and his wife, Beatrice of Hancock; one brother, Dallas Merchant of Elkton, MD; two grandchildren, Anthony Dennison and wife, Samantha, Lawrence Merchant, Jr. and wife, Angel; two great-grandsons, Matthew and Daniel Merchant. He will also be sadly missed by special friends, Dana and Lois Howes, to whom the family is especially grateful for their care and kindnesses toward Gifford in the last few years.
    In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Loreta “Rita” (Whitaker) Merchant in 2000; and by a granddaughter, Tammy Merchant in 1987.
    A funeral service was held at the Union Congregational Church, Sheridan Road, Ashland, on Saturday, Oct. 23, with Pastor Nathan Gardiner officiating. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in his memory to the Ashland Snowmobile Club, PO Box 273, Ashland, ME 04732. Funeral arrangements are a service of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., Ashland. To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com