L. Merrick Bryce

L. Merrick Bryce, 84

Troy- L. Merrick Bryce, 84,of 276 Pawling Avenue Troy, died Saturday, June 3, 2006 at his home after a long illness. He was surrounded by his family.

Born in Troy, he was the son of the late Lowell H. and Evelyn Merrick Bryce and beloved husband of Helen Howe Bryce.

Helen and Merrick were devoted to one another and their family for 59 years.

A resident of Troy for his entire life, he was a graduate of the Troy Public Schools and received a degree in Industrial Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1944. Mr. Bryce also received a degree from the Renouard Embalming School.

Mr. Bryce joined his father in operating the Bryce Funeral Home Inc. after serving in the Army Corp of Engineers during World War II. In 1959, he took over operation of the DeGraaf Funeral Home Inc. in West Sand Lake which subsequently became known as the DeGraaf- Bryce Funeral Home Inc. Both businesses are now operated by his son, L. Craig Bryce, Merrick's wife Helen and his grandson, David Merrick Cluett, who is a Registered Resident to be licensed in one year, of which he was so proud. Merrick was a funeral director for over 60 years dedicating his life to serving families in times of loss with dignity and friendship.

Mr. Bryce was a 10 year member of the Troy Board of Education, serving as President for 2 years in the early 1970's. Active in community affairs, he was a former Trustee of Hudson Valley Community College, President of the Board of Directors and Trustee of the Troy YMCA and Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. He was an active member of many organizations including the Troy Kiwanis Club, Troy Lions Club and Troy Lodge of Elks. Active in Masonic circles, he served as head of all York Rite Bodies, Past Master of Apollo Lodge, a member of Trinity Tabernacle, Trinity Priory, Oriental Temple Shrine and Iran Grotto. Merrick was a Deacon, Elder and Trustee of the First United Presbyterian Church of Troy, Past President of the Bethesda Home Association for 16 years and former Vice Chairman of the Eddy Memorial Geriatric Board.. He was instrumental in the expansion the Eddy system, arranging the merger of the Bethesda Home with Eddy and served on the Eddy Board for 16 years. He was a member of the Taconic Lake Association where the family summered for 58 years, a member of the First Church in Albany (Reformed), Rensselaer County Historical Society, Williamstown Theater Festival, Albany Institute of History and Art and Troy Chromatic Concerts.

Merrick was a member of the Capital District Funeral Directors Association, the New York State Funeral District Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.

He had many interests including sports, poetry , music, and the arts. He was an avid sports fan with a passion for the Yankees whom he followed since 1930. He also was a faithful supporter of the RPI hockey team with season tickets since 1952. Merrick chaired a testimonial dinner in 1952 for then coach, Ned Harkness. Music was a constant source of joy and renewal for him, in particular classical and the 40's. And he loved to both read and recite poetry . The Peanuts cartoons spoke to him on many levels about life and its simple joys and complexities.

His lake house was his source of refuge for him and Helen, their family and friends. This is where he relaxed and his quick-wit and dry humor were at its best.

Merrick loved his family passionately, and his grandchildren and great-grandchild were an abiding source of love and pleasure. He also loved his God, his community and serving others.

Survivors in addition to his wife include two cherished daughters, Susan Bryce Cluett of Charlottesville, VA and Barbara B. Clark (William) of Bay Village, OH; his son, L. Craig Bryce of West Sand Lake, his loving grandchildren, Jennifer Jeffery (Simon) of Crested Butte, CO, David Merrick Cluett (Kelly) of West Sand Lake, Sarah E. Clark of Westlake, OH, Christen E. Bryce of West Sand Lake, NY, Lindsey B. Clark of Westlake, OH, L. Jonathan Bryce of West Sand Lake and Rachel M. Bryce of West Sand Lake and his great granddaughter, Kelcey Jude Bryce of West Sand Lake. Also survived by many cousins and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Dr. Wendell L. Bryce.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 AM at Christ Church United Methodist, State Street and Fifth Avenue Troy (the church of his baptism) with Rev. C. Joseph Ingraham, Pastor Emeritus and Rev. John Paarlberg, Pastor of the First Church in Albany, officiating.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday from 4-8 PM.

Interment Oakwood Cemetery, in Troy.

The family requests contributions be made in memory of L. Merrick Bryce to the Eddy Foundation 2224 Burdett Avenue Troy, NY 12180 or First Church in Albany 110 North Pearl Street Albany, NY 12207. For a private family guest book and service directions, visit www.brycefh.com .

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