Obituary of Randy J Merritt

Randy Jay Merritt (RJ)

Jan 11, 1950 - July 22, 2019

My beloved husband, Randy Merritt, the absolute love of my life passed on July 22, 2019 at 69.  He will always be with me in my heart and we will see each other again in heaven.  He was a memorable and loved man.  He retired 41 years from Caltrans District 4 as a Maintenance Manager I in 2009.  He was a passionate hunter and fisherman.  He also retired as a Hunting and Fishing Guide in 2019.  Oakley CA was his residence and place of passing from a very rare and fast growing prostate cancer only found out about 10 months ago.  He graduated Armijo High, Fairfield CA, in 1969 and played football as a freshman.  He watched ice hockey and football.  He worked as a part time Fairfield police reserve officer while working for Caltrans.  He also worked long hours at night raising his cattle after working all day.  In understanding the animal world he was extraordinarily unmatched.  I would ask my beloved many questions about animal behavior and without fail he knew the answers.  It fascinated me that he excelled in this area.  He enjoyed Calvary Temple Church with me attending the marriage ministry for many years. It helped us see more clearly our journey. He said he liked to go places with me.  Even if he didn't feel good, he always would go with me and drive me there and wait in the car.  When we returned he would sit in his easy chair, rest and sleep.  He knew he was leaving.  We stayed strong for each other and he was very much a brave man.  He wanted to know everything that was to happen to him and when.  He was sent to home hospice care after three days of his stroke in hospital.  Nine days later he passed peacefully and beautifully in my and his brother's arms.  He did not suffer.  I was very blessed to have known and loved him.  He is predeceased by father, Wilson Merritt, and mother Dortha Merritt.  He is survived by me, wife Diane Merritt, Uncle Eldon Merritt (Alice), Aunt Sara Merritt Grimes (Carrol), Aunt Naida Lavik (Bernie), brother Dennis Merritt (Pamela), sister Robin Fernengo (John), daughters Tracy Merritt Jackson, Laura Peters (Jeff), step-daughter Olivia Herrera (Jose), five grand children, two great-grand children and other relatives.

Attire:

My husband, although he did wear camo, did not wear camo to everything.  He wore sports coats to special events too.  With the spirit of traditional business dress for a celebration of life (see online suggestions) let's keep it that way for the service.  Afterward we are going downstairs for the refreshments.  If at that time people want to put on their camo, please hold it to that time.