Merrin Reidpath
1933-2020
MAIN RIVER,
NB – Merrin Reidpath 86, of Main River passed away
peacefully at the Dr. Georges-L. Dumont University Hospital Center in
Moncton on Saturday, September 26, 2020. Born
in Belleisle Creek, NB on November 12, 1933, he was
the son of the late Allan Reidpath and late Julia (Boss)
Reidpath.
Merrin
started his early years in construction in Moncton in the
1950’s then working with his uncle A.M. Reidpath Co. Ltd in
Richibucto. A skilled mechanic and not a stranger to hard work, it was
easy for him to transition to new areas.
Merrin spent years with Modern
Construction in Moncton, Warren’s in South Branch and as a
stationary engineer for Stafford Foods in Richibucto from
1970-1980.
Merrin came
from a farm family and in 1961, Merrin and Irene purchased their own
farm to raise their family on. This farming legacy they started still
continues on today with their
grandchildren.
Merrin’s welding ability was sought after.
He did some work for APEX, J&S Lumber, AA Albert and often
told stories of his work on the Rte 11 bridge in Jardinville and how
cold it was! There was never a lack of need for farm
machinery to be worked on or electrical work to be done, and Merrin
was always happy to help anyone, he was a master of many
trades.
Merrin was
most fondly known as Grampy to many and could capture
everyone’s attention by his quick witted remarks, avid
storytelling, and vast knowledge of everything from machinery to
flowers!
Merrin loved
books, never stopped reading, enjoyed gardening, was passionate about
farming and all animals, but most of all loved time spent with his
family. Cooking big family meals were his favorite. Food was
definitely his love language and if you stopped in for a visit you
never left hungry.
Merrin
thought of his neighbors as family and always spoke of the visits and
love they poured into him, especially after losing his wife. He never
took a thing for granted.
He would not
only give a stranger the shirt off his back, he’d insist on
taking his shoes too… he was kind, generous and loved
life. If he was ever told your date of birth, he would never
forget it. He had an amazing memory and that made for some pretty
amazing story telling!
Merrin will
be sadly missed by his daughter, Sharon
«Holly» Acebo (Rusty) of
Jonesboro, Arkansas; his son, Dale Reidpath of Main River; his
daughter-in-law Christine Reidpath of St. Norbert; eleven
grandchildren, Justin, Patrick, Nicholas, Brock, Alex, Jessica, Peter,
Celina, Annika, Rykar, Michael and five great
grandchildren, Olivia, McKenna, Lincoln, Ivory and Ella.
He is also
survived by one sister, Alaine Bastow (Vic)
of White Rock, BC; one brother, Vernon Reidpath (Mary) of Rexton;
sister-in-law, Jean Reidpath of Ontario and many nieces and nephews
who he loved dearly.
Besides his
parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Irene (Campbell) Reidpath;
two sons, Danny, Scott; three sisters, Yvonne, Olga, Julia and two
brothers, Raymond and Eric.
As
per Merrin’s wishes there will be no
visitation at the funeral home. The family will have a private
graveside service. Donations in Merrin’s memory
may be made to St. Andrew’s United Church in
Rexton.
Arrangements
are in care of Thompson’s Funeral Home in Richibucto
(523-4252).
19332020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Merrin Reidpath 19332020..
Décès pour la Ville: Richibucto, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick