Merlin Leach, 71, passed away Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at his home.
He was born in Croswell, Mich., July 11, 1944 to Donald H. and Mildred (Farley) Leach. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Anita Engert; two daughters, Sherry Leach of Gilbert, Ariz., and Tara Benoit of Katy, Texas; and nephew, Donavan Campbell of Tucson, Ariz.
Merlin joined the Navy at 16, and went on to become a policeman, professional pilot, bank president, head of mergers and acquisitions for Westinghouse, owner of a mortgage company, head of a large corporation, and a Ph.D psychologist specializing in psycho-neural immunology. He earned multiple degrees and certifications and had a love of learning that lasted throughout his life.
Merlin moved to Carroll County in 1993 to retire, and while building a home outside Alpena, established The Merlin Foundation instead. This choice became his life’s work and passion. He became an active member in the community and was involved with many organizations over the years such as Berryville Rotary, Carroll County Resource Council, Drug Free Carroll County, and the Alpena Historical Society.
He was on the South Carroll County Fire Department, a CASA volunteer, committee chair for the Ozark Affiliate of Susan G. Komen, and served for 12 years as a state commissioner. He believed the Foundation’s mission was to focus on those who were being underserved in the community. To that end, he provided a women’s shelter, established a children’s advocacy center (Grandma’s House) and a multi-disciplinary team to coordinate the investigation, prosecution and treatment of severe child abuse.
He was a registered lobbyist promoting new or improved legislation affecting women and children, and worked with many other community organizations in support of programs such as the “Shop with a Cop” Christmas event, and the Cowboy Church transportation fund for cancer patients. He was a 13-year Susan G. Komen grantee providing free breast care services for which he received the Josetta Wilkins Award for outstanding work in breast cancer awareness, education and prevention.
On top of that, he pursued filmmaking and screenplay writing. He put together an educational video, “Text to Death” which was adopted by schools and other agencies throughout the state on the dangers of texting while driving.
He was an advocate and sponsor of women entering the film business.
He loved filming community events such as the Special Olympics and Polar Bear Plunge. He also loved photography and learning the history of the people and places of Carroll County. Merlin read every day and looked forward to his daily morning posts on Facebook. He always felt rewarded and humbled by all of the wonderful people whose friendship and support he had come to know during the course of life’s journey.
He was an amazing man.
Celebration Of Life Memorial will be 6 p.m., Thursday, June 23, 2016 at Berryville School (Bobcat Arena) with Pastor Billy Williams and Claire Kelly officiating. Family has requested that in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Merlin Foundation.
Services by Smith Family Funeral Home of Green Forest, Ark., and online condolences can be accessed at www.smithfamilyfuneralhome.net