HAROLD (KEITH) MERRICK

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HAROLD (KEITH) MERRICK, M.D.
January 24, 1941 - January 25, 2020
Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada

Born January 24, 1941, in Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Keith spent his early years between Alysham and Alameda, where he graduated from high school receiving the Governor General's award for academic achievement. He moved to Winnipeg in 1958 where he attended the United College and University of Manitoba for PreMed and Medical School. He graduated in 1964 with Honours, a bronze medal and two gold medals for academics. He was also a member of the ROTC, where he graduated as a Pilot Officer. His memberships included the Masonic Lodge in Charleswood, 32nd degree and the Charleswood Optimists.
Keith leaves to celebrate his life, his wife Jean, brother George (Rene), his daughters, Tracey (Paul), Sherri and Susanne (Nihat), stepchildren, Sandra, Stephen (Pat) and Robert (Marilyn), 12 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and cousin Brian Pepper M.D. (Karen).
Keith had always wanted to be a Family Physician, caring for patients in the "old ways" by providing care through office visits, home visits and 24 hour availability. He was one of the founding physicians who built and practiced in the Charleswood Medical Clinic in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 1979 he moved to California, where he would practice medicine for the next 37 years. He practiced in Mission Viejo, Orange County before moving to San Diego County where he was able to realize a lifelong dream - that of being a solo, all encompassing, family physician for a community as he took on the responsibility of being the physician for the historic gold mining town of Julian, San Diego County, U.S.A.
Always looking for opportunities to help, Keith spent several years flying with LIGA International to Mexico on weekends, providing care to those in need. Ever the traveller, during his vacation times, he would head north to Bella Bella and Bella Coola, Canada, where he would fill in for physicians needing time off. As an avid hobbyist, Keith was known for creating and nurturing beautiful gardens and landscapes. He was also a prolific amateur photographer in his spare time, although he technically graduated to professional status when he was commissioned for the inside cover image of a Year Book for the United States Military Academy known as Westpoint.
It can be said of Keith that he loved to work and he worked to fulfill his God-given dream. He was a great man who cared for all those around him and made everyone's life a little more special.
Service to be held Saturday, February 8, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 12145 Laity Street, Maple Ridge, BC, Canada. Rev. Ziprick officiating. Interment at Maple Ridge Cemetery, followed by a reception in the church hall.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2020