A multigenerational Mainer, he was the son of Carrol Merton Witham and Iona Elsie Ryan Witham. He grew up in Bath and graduated from Morse High School in 1953 where he was a member of the state Championship football team. After high school Mert enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1954 and retired in 1975. A Captain during his career he had three tours overseas; one in Japan, one in Okinawa and one in Vietnam.
Mert married his high school sweetheart Carolyn “Callie” McKay, on January 15, 1955. This past January they celebrated 58 years of marriage.
They had three daughters and many grandchildren: Daughters are Wendy J. Witham of Bath, Cynthia “Cindy” J. Bennett and Husband Ben from Petersham, MA and Julie L.W. McDermott and Husband Michael “Mike” McDermott from Bath. Mert’s loving grandchildren are Isabella “Izzy” Maier of Anchorage, AL and Alexandra “Ally” Maier from Petersham, MA, Kean T. McDermott and Liam O. McDermott of Bath. Mert is also survived by his siblings, Una Dyer of Woolwich, Frances Eastman of Old Orchard Beach, Edna Mae and Husband Kevin Kuliga of Dalton, MA and Sister- In-Law, whom he loved like a sister, Jean Ford Dolan of York, ME. He was predeceased by a sister Carol Ann Bennett of Bath. He will be lovingly missed by many nieces and nephews.
Mert was active in many different organizations, businesses and outdoor activities in the Bath area and Maine. Mert was a member of the Masonic Temple, Polar Star Lodge of Bath and was installed as their Worshipful Master in 1984.
For many years Mert was a proud employee of Sebasco Harbor Resort, he was honored by receiving their Lighthouse Keepers Award for excellent service. Not only did Mert enjoy working at Sebasco Harbor Resort but he also enjoyed golfing at the resort with his many friends. Mert spent many hours doing his favorite activities hunting, ice fishing and keeping a particularly manicured lawn. However, the last years of his life defined the man Mert truly was; in December of 2008 he joined Alcoholics Anonymous. He committed himself whole heartily in his sobriety and inspired many. Mert’s family supported him proudly in this brave chapter in his life. Mert was also committed to helping others and loved volunteering his time at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick. Many people knew and were touched by his quiet ways, dry sense of humor and commitment to many.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a memorial donation in Mert’s name, the family requests them to be to; CHANS Hospice, 60 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, Maine 04011 or Togus VA Hospice and Palliative Care Unit, 1VA Center, Augusta, Maine 04333.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, March 17th, 2013 from 4:00 – 6:00pm at the David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High Street, Bath, Maine. Celebration of Life will be on Monday, March 18, 2013 at 11:00am at the First Parish Congregational Church, Main Street, Brunswick.
To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
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