Paul Preston Merlin
1943-2021
It is with deep sadness and broken
hearts that we announce the passing of Paul Preston
Merlin of Greenville Station, on Wednesday,
April 7, 2021 at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre,
Nappan.
Born in Springhill Nova Scotia. He was
the son of Ruth G. (Brown) Merlin of Amherst and the late Carl P.
Merlin.
In addition to his mother Ruth, he will
be deeply missed by his wife of 54 years the former Gloria Williams;
children Forrest (Amanda), Westchester, NS; Jason (Lori), Sydney, NS
and Anna (Jeff) Jacobs, Charleston, South Carolina; 7 grandchildren,
Jordan, Quintin, Sarah, Ethan, Conner, Olivia and Chase; brother Peter
(Dolly) Merlin; as well as nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father, Carl
Merlin and his brother Charles “Chuck”
Merlin.
Paul’s love of nature was
evident at a young age when he use to skip school with his dear friend
Bill Barrow, to fish and hunt in every corner of Nova Scotia. Paul
achieved a degree in Biological Sciences from NAIT in 1971. He found
his true passion working with fish at Seapool Fisheries, Clam Bay, NS.
While working for the Department of Fisheries, as hatchery manager,
Cardigan PEI, his dream to start his own fish farm became a reality.
In 1973, Greenville Station, NS, Merlin Fish Farm Limited was born.
Paul’s cumulative achievements led to Cape d’Or
Sustainable Seafood Inc., the first land-based certified organic
aquaculture facility in the world. His passion for aquaculture paved
the road for numerous farmers throughout Atlantic Canada.
This pioneer was always willing to lend his expertise to the
development of numerous land and ocean based farms. Paul’s
tenacity and longevity created a blueprint and helped to establish
stability within the industry.
Paul served as the President of the
Aguaculture Association of Nova Scotia. He was awarded the
Aguaculturist of the Year in 2009. Paul received numerous awards for
his achievements in aquaculture and provided opportunities and
employment to many people in our rural communities. Paul’s
spirit is passed down through his children and grandchildren with
their smiles, laughter, healing hugs and love of nature. Paul was a
great friend to many and a soulmate to Gloria. He was a vision on the
dance floor. Paul will be forever dreaming big, inspiring his friends
and family to continue his legacy.
Arrangements are under the care and
supervision of A. H. Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane
Street, Springhill (902-597-2361). Cremation has taken
place. A Time of Remembrance will be held for Paul at a
later date.
Donations in memory of Paul may be made
to the charity of your choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may
be sent to Paul’s family by visiting his online memorial
at www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A. H. Brown Funeral Home
Facebook Page.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Paul Preston Merlin 19432021..
Death notice for the town of: Springhill, Province: Nova Scotia
Gloria, I just received the devastating news of Paul’s passing yesterday. I was stunned by this sad news and my heart is breaking for you, your children and grandchildren. Paul was such a special person and it was obvious to anyone who saw you both together that you were made for each other. I remember as a naive, fresh-off-the-farm 19 year old, him telling me “I love my wive but I like her too.” Confusing words to me at the time but in later years I came to realize what that meant. Don and I had hoped to reconnect again last summer but we were unable to make the trip to Nova Scotia due to the pandemic. Don sure did enjoy spending time with Paul and discussing all manner of subjects. He was a passionate man about his business and certainly gave 110%. We both send you our deepest condolences.