Clifford Leroy Merrick, 90, of Kingsley, died tragically Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, in a fire that destroyed his home. Cliff died with his loving pets, Chichi, Tequila and Pepper. Clifford was the son of the late James and Bessie (Williams) Merrick, of Westfield, Ill., born on Dec. 20, 1921. He graduated from Westfield High School, Davenport Business College and the Dale Carnegie Institute. In 1941 Cliff married Margaret Lois Bjork. He is survived by their children, Nancy (Ron) Olson, James (Pat) Merrick, Betty (Arnold) Broos, Richard Merrick and Jo Ann "Buzzy" Merrick (Michael Koryto); brother, Arthur (Shirley) Merrick; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and special family friend, Rick Conley. At the time of his death Cliff was married to the former Sally Rancour, who survives. He is also survived by her son, Chris Ahart; and two grandchildren. Cliff was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army in Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. He was involved in the Battle of the Bulge as part of Patton's Third Army. He was also among the first forces that liberated Dachau Concentration Camp. Cliff was a State Farm Insurance agent in Traverse City for 48 years. He was a lifetime member of the Elks, VFW and American Legion, as well as a past member of the Masons, Shriners, Optimists and Traverse City Golf and Country Club. In the 1960s Cliff built and operated the first golf course at what is now the Grand Traverse Resort. Cliff enjoyed golf, gardening, caring for his animals and winning at cards. Cliff was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Margaret; brothers, Wilbur and Herman; and sister, Frances.

A graveside memorial service at Fife Lake Cemetery will be held at 10 A.M. on July 21, 2012.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Traverse City Junior Golf Association, 310 West Front Street, Suite 201, Traverse City, MI 49684 Please share your thoughts with the family at Cliff's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .