WILLIAM (BILL) MERRITT

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

• I did not know Bill Merritt personally. But I was there throughout the 70's and 80's at the Norwood and all the other hotels that he played with various bands (Even at Le Festival du Voyager). All I can remember was he was a great bass player. He was a good person and no one deserves what he went through. Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Brian Mousseau (A 70's fan) on: Apr 07, 2019

• 1979, Winnipeg folk festival - I was a cluless first yr auditor with Price Waterhouse, Bill befriended me first day. A true gentleman, inspite of me being a chartered accountant! Good for you Bill, I have thought of you often, ask my wife, I often mentioned you personally - over the last 30 plus yrs ... You were inspiring to me. Dave. - Posted by: Dave Simpson (Friend) on: Sep 13, 2014

• News travels slow in the Deep South. Growing up with Bill and spending my early years with him at Trinity Baptist Church and his home in River Heights was indelibly etched. Unfortunately we lost touch but his "easiness" and incredible sense if humor was always with me. Will miss you Bill. - Posted by: Don Watson (Old friend) on: May 31, 2014

• It is with great pain I write this. Bill gave everyone he met a happiness in their heart as they spent time together. Lucy emanated Bill's joy and love every time we spoke. Lisa reflects the love and light Bill always shone on all those whose life he touched. Billy quietly reflected the stillness Bill settled upon a given moment, every moment you were in his company. Thank you to the entire Merritt family for inviting me in as one of you. We will all miss Bill. Fortunately his love and peace are reflected in all who were fortunate enough to be touched by his presence forever. Love and joy on this next stage of your journey Bill. - Posted by: Donny Lalonde (Freind of family) on: Apr 28, 2014

• We were (are) the mad nomads, and knew Bill over 29 years of selling chairs at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Their office was above us on Confusion Corner until the bug fire forced us both to move. In those years of being neighbours, we saw Bill and Mitch daily, shared news and weather opinions,joked and laughed our way through small business growing pains, laughed, laughed. The music was truly his life, but the humour was a way of dealing with everything! The memories are strong, and though we moved to Hong Kong 16 years ago, we carry those memories, we still cannot remember Bill Merritt without a smile. That is his legacy to us. Condolences to all family and friends who loved him. A loss to a very large community of people.---safe home, old friend. --- ailsa and Drew lauder (the mad nomads) - Posted by: ailsa lauder (folk fest business) on: Apr 25, 2014

• I remember Bill's sense of humour when I spent time with Janice. His love of music was always foremost in his life even as a kid. The big brothers were always so cool back in the day or so Janice and I thought. - Posted by: Diane Dempsey (Old friend from growing up at church with my brother Paul) on: Apr 20, 2014

• I had the honor of not only being Bill's friend but he was my base player in a group called the Shags. It was the first band for Bill I believe. Winnipeg has lost a great musician. And my condolences to his family especially Lucille. God bless you all - Posted by: stuart adams (Band member and friend) on: Apr 14, 2014

• I lived and breathed this era of music, and followed many of these bands growing up. During a lyric concert a few summers ago I saw Bill in attendance. I pointed out to my friend ..there s one of the most talented musicians Winnipeg has known. Several years ago I worked for an air miles related company. The hotelier. Who purchased the airmiles for an inhouse promotion had not done so and called to ask if the airmiles could be purchased to bring in a few musicians in honor of a benefit for Bill. Of course. So today not personally knowing Bill but having the utmost respect for him I am so sad to see this in the paper today. I have every Mood Jga Jga LP to this day. Thanks for the many hours you entertained all of us in Winnipeg from the Norwood and Prairie Dog to Graham Shaw. We hope to hear you playing in heaven to a standing room only house. My condolences to his family friends. - Posted by: Laurie Gydé ( Music fan) on: Apr 12, 2014

• There was only one Bill Merritt and we are lucky we had him while we did..via con dios amigo.. - Posted by: Graham Shaw (campañero) on: Apr 12, 2014