Grandfather, sports fan, friend to all

Calvin K. Merrill, 81, died August 11 in Claremont.

Calvin was born May 1, 1939 in Blackfoot, Idaho to Ralph and Lucille Merrill, the youngest of 13 children. He spent his childhood on a farm in Moreland, Idaho and enjoyed all of the benefits of living the farm life.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On April 30, 1961 he married Susan Jane Penfield. The couple moved to Claremont in 1965 and raised their two children, Mary Jane and Todd.

Mr. Merrill worked at Albertsons for 35 years before retiring. In his retirement you may have seen him at the Village Grille having breakfast with his Claremont buddies or you may have been lucky enough to have met him at his grandson Zachary’s Claremont High School football games, where he was a fixture selling raffle tickets to support the team.

He also enjoyed watching sports, gardening and was very appreciative of all the simple things in life.

“If you had a chance to meet Cal, you had a friend for life,” his family shared.

He is survived by his wife Susan of Claremont; children Mary Jane (Arthur) Shapiro of Claremont, and Todd (Kristine) Merrill of Upland; and grandchildren Zachary, Alexandra, Madison and Max Shapiro and Caden and Jordan Merrill.

A memorial service was held August 29 in Mr. Merrill’s hometown of Blackfoot, Idaho. He was set to rest at the Moreland Cemetery beside his parents, sister and nine brothers, who preceded him in death.