Dr. William "Bill" George Merrick

Dr. William G. “Bill” Merrick, 93, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Mount Royal Pines III Assisted Living. He was born on March 26, 1932, to Fred and Jessie Merrick in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

After earning his Bachelor of Science and M.D. degrees from the University of Manitoba, Bill married Joyce Farmer on June 14, 1958, while completing his residency in general surgery in Winnipeg. He later completed a residency in otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) at the University of Minnesota in 1962. In 1963, Bill and Joyce made Duluth their home, where Bill began a private practice and was affiliated with St. Luke’s Hospital. He retired in 1995 with a stellar reputation in the Duluth medical community, known as a respected surgeon, trusted colleague, generous mentor, and a physician deeply beloved by his patients.

Bill was a member of Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, Duluth Rotary Club #25, Northland Country Club, the Kitchi Gammi Club, and the Duluth Retriever Club. He had a lifelong love of the outdoors and remained remarkably active, enjoying fishing; upland bird and duck hunting; shooting sporting clays; golfing; flower gardening; tennis; biking; tennis and pickleball; and watching and playing hockey. He continued playing hockey until age 83 and golfing and downhill skiing until age 87. Though quiet by nature, Bill’s enthusiasm for adventure, the outdoors, and travel was infectious—especially to his grandchildren.

Yellow Labs, time spent at the family cabin on Lake Vermilion, vacations at Hilton Head Island, and world travel with Joyce—including four Winter Olympic Games—were among Bill’s greatest joys. He also cherished upland and waterfowl hunting trips to Saskatchewan and trout and salmon fishing excursions to Ontario, Labrador, and Alaska. These experiences created a rich collection of memories that Bill treasured and loved sharing in his later years.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joyce (2013); his brother, John; and his sister, Ruth Pollard. He is survived by his sons, Glenn (Lori Williams) and Kevin Merrick; grandchildren Kyle (Alaina) Merrick, Annika (Niels) Ryden, and Jordyn (Anton Anderson) Olson-Merrick; three great-grandchildren, Owen, Lucy, and Bjorn; brother-in-law Rich Allden; and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation at 10:00 a.m. and celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. will be held at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 11.

Bill and his family are deeply grateful for the compassionate and excellent care he received from Mount Royal Pines III and Aspirus/St. Luke’s Home Hospice.

Memorials may be directed to: Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, Parkinson’s Foundation, Aspirus – St. Luke’s Hospice, and the Duluth Retriever Club. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. 600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN 55805. 218-727-3555.