John William Merriam

John William Merriam

It is with great sadness that Dawn Berry Merriam wishes to announce the passing of her beloved husband John who died on April 16th 2024 due to a major brain hemorrhage.

Their 51 years of being together and marriage epitomized their favourite quote “Love is two solitudes that touch!”

John’s community involvement included his work with Otonabee Conservation as well as work with many environmental partners in the community through his business of Merriam & Associates.  His volunteer efforts included involvement in community groups such as the Victorian Order of Nurses, Children’s Aid Society, Age-friendly Peterborough and Trent Valley Archives.

He was dedicated to the partnership of heritage and nature as was evident in his passion for the family farm “Berrybank Farm” in Orono.  He was proud of his family roots in Barrie and relished sharing childhood memories of growing up in that community.

He considered volunteerism a critical way of making our community a better place for all. Whether it was working with the past through Trent Valley Archives or planning for the future through his role as adjudicator with the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, his heart was on putting energy into building a sustainable Peterborough both socially and physically.

John will be greatly missed by a far-reaching circle of close friends, family and everyday people who shared his love of life and their appreciation of the values of being kind to others.

People who know John and Dawn will not be surprised that it will be a private interment.

Those wishing to honour and pay their respects please donate to John’s favourite charity Trent Valley Archives, https://trentvalleyarchives.com/ or a charity of your choice.