Merrill Melvin Griffin

On May 3, 2012, Merrill Melvin Griffin, age 87, passed away peacefully in the Grand Manan Hospital, with his wife, Beulah, and his brother, Gerald, at his side.  Merrill was the second son of the late Arnold and Marion Fay Griffin (Urquhart).  He was predeceased by his first wife Agnes E. Griffin (Green) and his brother Rupert Gale Griffin.  Merrill is survived by his wife Beulah Beatrice Griffin (Theriault), his sons Robert A. Griffin (Linda), Harley M. Griffin, and Deane G. Griffin (Heidi).  Merrill has eight grandchildren: Robyn (Mark) Baker, Sara Griffin, Brian Griffin, Jessica Griffin, Brandon (Sheila) Flagg, Tasha (Ben) Urquhart, Jordan (Margot) Griffin, and Keynan (Terry) Griffin.  He also has 11 great-grand children and many nieces and nephews.  Merrill was a long time fisherman and businessman.  He freighted herring and lobsters and was a ground fisherman in his later years.  He operated the fishing vessels Ada B., Marion Fay, Andrew & Deane, and Harley & Gail with his parents and brother Rupert, and the fishing vessels Kiowa and the Harley &Deane with his sons Harley and Deane.  He and his wife Beulah operated the Surfside Motel for thirty-four years; he and his brother Gerald operated a saw mill in Castalia; and Beulah and Merrill operated the Griff-Inn Restaurant with his son Robert for 25 years.  Merrill was a member of the North Head United Baptist Church, and served a brief time as the President of the Grand Manan Board of Trade.  Merrill was a generous and kind man, who was always helping his family, his neighbours, friends and the community.

The family will receive friends and family Saturday, 2:00 PM-4:00 PM, and 7:00 PM-9:00 PM at the North Head Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Edward Shaw, 1:30, Sunday, May 6, 2012, at the North Head Baptist Church.  In lieu of flowers, family and friends may make a donation to the Grand Manan Rotary Memorial Trust or the North Head Baptist Church.  Funeral arrangements are in the care of ELLS FUNERAL HOME INC. 1199 Route #776, Grand Manan, N.B. Condolences, donations, and messages of sympathy also may be sent to: www.ells.ca, or 506-662-3116.