Ronald Lynn Merriman was born in Spokane, Washington, on July 1st, 1945. He passed away surrounded by family on June 3rd, 2024, at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife, Catherine (Kati) Copley-Merriman, their two children, Sean (Karri) and Shannon (Alex), and his four grandchildren, Eleanor, Lucas, Claire, and Elizabeth. He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Nina, and his brothers, Howie and Greg.
A lifelong academic, Ron graduated from Lewis and Clark High School with the class of 1964. He then earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from Eastern Washington University while serving in the Army ROTC, and later obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology from the University of Minnesota. He moved to Buffalo, NY for post-doctoral cancer research at RPMI Cancer Institute. After a long career in cancer research, Ron then returned to the classroom as a professor of biology at Henry Ford College before retiring.  Ron’s many interests included space shuttles, lighthouses, classic cars, trains, bird watching, his Gaelic ancestry, and growing Radiator Charlie’s Mortgage Lifter tomatoes. He enjoyed watching Detroit sports and in the summer months, he could be found listening to Jimmy Buffet at the family’s lake house on Lake Columbia. More than anything else, Ron enjoyed sharing his many hobbies and passions with those he loved most. Ron’s service will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Saline, MI, on Saturday, June 8th, 2024, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to one of the organizations that held significance for Ron and his family, such as the American Red Cross, the Cancer Research Institute, the National Park Service, or the Alzheimer’s Association. To our dearest Dad and Grandpa, we love you so much and hope you are enjoying your cheeseburger in paradise.