81, of Seabright, passed away December 31, 2011 surrounded by family at the QEII Health Sciences Center, Halifax Infirmary site after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Montreal he was the son of the late Gilbert Paul and Carmen Elizabeth (Bristol) Aspinall. Merrill began his telephone career with Bell Canada in Montreal where he earned the distinction of ‘Pioneer’. During this time he was also an active member of the Naval Reserve before moving to Nova Scotia in 1975, where he was employed at MT&T until his retirement in 1993. Merrill was always active in his community: serving his church, active in the Scout Movement, a volunteer fire fighter, also holding the office of Treasurer for many years with the Seabright Volunteer Fire Department. He was a former President and Treasurer of St. Margaret’s Bay Legion (Br. 116), a member of the Halifax Board of Trade and a volunteer driver with the VON. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Sylvia Jean (Gill); sons, Donald (Erin), Dublin, Ireland; Allan, Tantallon, NS; William, Dartmouth, NS; Wayne (Linda), Kentville, NS; daughters, Audrey-Jean, Georgetown, ON; Gail (Bill) Moore, Dartmouth: Judy (John) Comeau, Barrie, ON;  Roberta (Ray) Maton, Oakville, ON; sister, Helen Nice, Franklin Centre, Quebec; brothers, Jim, Richmond, BC; John (Heather), Ottawa; Edwin (Ann) Guelph, ON. Loving grandfather to 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff on 8.2 and 8.4 of the Halifax Infirmary with a special thank-you to Linda, (RN) for her generous support and kindness at this sad time. They would also like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Rayson and his nurse Helen for the special care given to Merrill. The family will receive visitors 2-4 and 7-9 pm Wednesday January 4, 2012 in the Ronald A. Walker Funeral Home, 13549 Peggy's Cove Road, Upper Tantallon. Cremation has taken place. Funeral service to be held at 1 pm Thursday January 5, 2012 in William Black Memorial Church, Glen Margaret. Rev. Sandra Cox officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Palliative Care Unit 8.4, QEII Health Sciences Center, Halifax, William Black Memorial Church, Glen Margaret, The Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of choice.

On-line condolences can be made to: www.rawalker.ca