Stuart Perry Merrill

Stuart died peacefully in his sleep on August 1st 2017 at his home Woodfords California. Stuart was born to Grant Perry Merrill and Angie Tibbetts Merrill in Gardnerville Nevada on January 29th 1923. He was raised in Woodfords California, the third generation of the pioneer Merrill family to make their home in Woodfords. Stuart spent his later grade school & high school years in Mojave California after his father was transferred there to serve as the state highway superintendent but Stuart always returned to Alpine County during the summers and school vacations. After high school Stuart attended Sacramento Junior College dividing his time between studies, ski racing and ski instructing at Sugar Bowl. College was interrupted when Stuart served in the air force in the European theater during WW II. After the war he completed his studies at San Jose state where he continued his intercollegiate ski racing and met his future wife Eileen. Stuart & Eileen were married on September 11, 1948 and continued to live in San Jose until Stuart completed his studies. After graduation in San Jose Stuart & Eileen moved to Woodfords where they assumed the management of the family's Woodfords store & resort. Stuart was elected Sheriff of Alpine County in 1958 where he served until his retirement in 1978. After retirement from the Sheriff's position Stuart served several terms as Alpine County supervisor. In retirement Stuart rekindled his passions for ski racing (senior division), fishing (he always kept his fly rod in the trunk of the car); golf and most specially travel with Eileen and their close friends. In later years he had 3 grandchildren to teach fishing and how to drive the golf cart among other grand parenting duties. Stuart was admired for his friendliness, compassion, generosity and his willingness to help others. He will be fondly remembered. Stuart was preceded in death by his brothers Austin & Robert Merrill. Stuart is survived by his wife Eileen; children, Eric & Cathy; grandchildren, Grant, Ian & Hanna; nephews & nieces; Greg Merrill, Linda Merrill, Barbara Merrill Moore, Sandra Merrill and their children. Memorial services will be held on Sunday, August 27, at 11:00 AM, at the Turtle Rock Park Community Center, 17300 State Route 89, Markleeville, CA 96120. Burial will be a private family observance.