Garrison James Merrell

Garrison James Merrell, 24, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2020 after a work-related injury. He was cradled in his mother’s arms and surrounded by his father and siblings when he peacefully passed away.

Garrison was born February 16, 1996 in Twin Falls, Idaho. He was born three weeks earlier than expected and from that point on, lived life on his own terms.

Growing up, he spent many weekends at Pomerelle snowboarding. He liked camping and fishing. He had the luckiest Micky Mouse fishing pole, and everyone wanted to use it. As an adult, he would often spend his weekends with his dog, Gus, hunting or scouting new areas to be hunted. He often took a road just to see where it went. He was a “We’ll figure it out when we get there” and a “Let’s see what happens if we do this” type of man in his exploring.  He enjoyed many adventures with his friends. If ever anyone needed a ride or any help, Garrison was the first to be called and the first to show up. We have realized over the past week just how many people he knew, how many people cared for him, and how many lives he affected. Our phones were flooded with texts and phone calls asking about his condition and that he was being prayed for.  The stories that have been shared by his friends have filled our hearts knowing that he truly lived his life to the fullest and, as expected, on his own terms.

He loved his family. He always looked forward to family gatherings so he could see everyone together and reminisce about his childhood, telling us about his discoveries, or a hunting story. His nieces, referred to him as “Crazy Uncle Garrison” as he was always trying to get them to try something daring. While our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that he is at peace and without pain. We already miss his voice, laughter and his well-known “MA!” We would bet he’s in heaven telling his family all of his antics and they are laughing and shaking their heads. We will miss his mischievous ways and his quirky grin. He will always remain forever in our hearts.

Garrison worked at MVP Diesel and was currently employed at Automated Dairy Services. He was a hard worker and enjoyed going to work and the friendships he formed and maintained.

Garrison’s ashes will be spread over his favorite hunting grounds and he will then rest peacefully next to his beloved grandfather, who nicknamed him, Slick Willy.  Garrison was always on the lookout for a deal and was always thrilled when he made one.

Garrison is survived by his mother- Deanna Dickson; his father- Todd Merrell; Siblings- Rob (Chelsea) Merrell, and Annalisa Merrell; Nieces- Quinn Merrell and Aurora Merrell. His grandparents- Cecil and Susan Dickson, Jim and Roberta Merrell, and his great grandmother, Pauline Lawson; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

His friends have organized a “Pomy Cruise for Garrison Merrell” on Sunday, September 20th. We will be meeting at C-A-L Ranch at 12:00. His family will be driving the well-known suburban. Anyone who would like to participate is welcome to come.

His family will be hosting an informal Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 26th from 12-4 PM at the Burley Lions Club Pavilion at the boat docks near the golf course.  We would love for anyone who knew Garrison to gather together and let his family meet all of his friends and hear all of your stories. We know there are plenty! Please bring a cool beverage of your choice.  If you are concerned about social distancing guidelines, please bring lawn chairs. We will be providing a microphone for his friends to share their stories so those who are practicing social distancing will still be able to hear.

The family would like to thank the staff at Portneuf Medical Center for the outstanding care Garrison had and the compassion they gave so freely to his family during this difficult time.

Afterglow

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

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