H. Kirk Merritt

Kirk Merritt, 82, of Nokomis, Florida died peacefully with his family by his side on August 20, 2021. Kirk was born September 15, 1938, in Denver, Colorado to Frances K. and Wesley D. Merritt. After graduating from Regis High School, he attended the University of Colorado. He married Janie Daniels, his high school sweetheart, secretly on September 18, 1959, and officially on August 27, 1960. During their sixty-two-year marriage, the Merritt’s lived in Colorado, Arizona, California, Utah, South Carolina, New Jersey, Virginia, and Florida. He is survived by his wife, Janie, his three sons, Kirk Jr. (Lynne), Andy, and Brian, three grandchildren, (Maddie, Jeffery, and Wesley), a brother, Chris, and numerous nieces and nephews. Throughout his career, Kirk worked in many capacities for companies in the pharmaceutical and medical technology field including Warner Lambert (Pfizer), Johnson & Johnson, Fuisz Technology, and Biodesix. Kirk travelled to six continents and had the opportunity to fly on the Concorde. Kirk adored his family. He instilled the values of hard work, integrity, and reliability in his sons. He was always ready with a comforting word and a strong shoulder to lean on. He was a patient man who championed his family in all their endeavors and supported Janie’s love of quilting. Kirk loved learning new things and tried to learn something new every day. Kirk enjoyed photography and was always ready to “tweak” a family photo. He appreciated fine automobiles and hi-fi audio technology and would complete extensive research before buying his latest ride or his next piece of audio equipment. Listening to classical music offered Kirk many years of pleasure. He also enjoyed gardening and had recently started caring for orchids with great success. Kirk spent many peaceful hours fishing and “catching” along the Eagle River in Colorado. He was quick to share a story or tell a joke. Rather than with a traditional birthday cake, Kirk celebrated his birthdays with Janie’s apple pie. Kirk made a mean pot of chili. Scrambled eggs “rare” was one of his specialties. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Kirk can be made to the American Cancer Society. A memorial service will be held for Kirk at the chapel of Grace United Methodist Church 400 Field Avenue on the island, 10:00am Friday, September 10, 2021. Refreshments will be served at the pool area of Calusa Park development on Laurel avenue near the Legacy Trail following the service.