Obituary of Merlin Cecil Kerr

KERR, Merlin – Meagher’s Grant. It is with sad and heavy hearts that we announce that, after a brief illness, Merlin Cecil Kerr “Bumpy”, 85, passed away on July 12, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Merlin was the son of the late Laurin Austin and Mona (Grant) Kerr, born at Lower Meagher’s Grant N.S. Beside his parents he was predeceased by sisters, Lorna Kerr and Velma Whalley.

Merlin is survived by his wife of 66 years, Judy Helen (Grant), Meagher’s Grant; brothers, Wendell, Halifax; Keith, Dartmouth; children, Laurin (Yvonne), Diane Barnes (Billy) and Kevin (Terri); grandchildren; Tara, Kelly, Ashley, Stacie, Jennifer, Raeanne and Jeremy; six great grandchildren.

Merlin started his career in building/woodworking at 16 years of age. Merlin designed and built sleds which were sold to Simpson Sears and Eaton’s and shipped across Canada. Along with running his own sawmill business Merlin started his own construction company, Merlin Kerr Woodworkers Ltd. in 1957, and constructed over 100 projects many for the former County of Halifax, County of Colchester schools and various private projects, MT&T towers and buildings, NSLC in Metro and Cheticamp and others too many to mention, many of which are still in existence today. Merlin was a proud member of the Nova Scotia Construction Association. Merlin provided employment for many individuals across the province and locally at River Oaks Golf Club.

In the early 80s his thoughts turned to golf and Merlin designed and built his own 18 hole golf course, River Oaks Golf Club in Meagher’s Grant, NS. Later on he added an eight unit hotel with swimming pool along with a 9 hole golf course, River Oaks South through the hills of Lower Meagher’s Grant below the former fire tower. Merlin changed the Musquodoboit Valley with the opening of River Oaks. In the early 90s, Merlin started a Ready Mix company in Musquodoboit Harbour. This adventure lasted 5 years.

Merlin was an elder of the St. James United Church and dedicated his life volunteering for the Meagher’s Grant Cemetery.

He loved his family and worked with them closely all his life. He was always first to work and the last to leave, always with his white hard hat on and his beloved dog by his side.

The family would like to thank the wonderful medical staff at the Victoria General Hospital and the Dartmouth General Hospital along with the many friends who passed along so many wishes. Special thank you to Juanita for her kindness and guidance.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Ettinger Funeral Home, Shubenacadie.

Please join us as we honor Merlin in a celebration of life to take place on Wednesday July 17th at the Meagher’s Grant Community/Fire Hall (wheelchair accessible) 4413 Hwy 357 from 2:00- 4:00PM followed by a private burial at Meagher’s Grant Cemetery. If you would like to share a story during the celebration of life please message Kevin rogc@ns.aliantzinc.ca

 In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations can be made to the Meagher’s Grant Cemetery Fund, C/O River Oaks Golf Club, 3909 Hwy 357, Meagher’s Grant, N.S. B0N 1V0. Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Merlin may be shared with the family at: www.ettingerfuneralhome.com

“Merlin’s legacy lives on; his contribution to the community for decades has made a huge impact.”