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Howard Richmond Merriman, Jr., (“Hap”) passed away peacefully at his home in Vero Beach, FL, on December 19, 2023, with his two loving daughters by his side.
Born on December 20, 1933, Hap was raised in Providence and Little Compton, RI. Hap graduated from St. George’s School and the University of Pennsylvania and went on to build a successful career as a financial advisor for Miller & George, then Advest, Inc., and ultimately Merrill Lynch where he worked until the final year of his life. In 1966, Hap met Katharine Jackson (“Kit”) at a party. They were engaged within six weeks and married for 52 years.
Beyond his primary loves of family and the investment business, Hap had three great passions in life: flying, sailing, and golf. Following university, Hap enlisted in the U.S. Navy flight school and, amongst many other assignments, captained cold war warning and surveillance missions in Europe. He retired from the Naval Reserves in 1967. These years held a special place in Hap’s heart, and he loved to tell the stories of his flying days. Hap was an avid sailor. He was the captain of the sailing team at Penn and raced his family’s Alden, “Blossom,” in the Sakonnet River for decades. Hap was also a champion at the game of golf. He was a member of the United States Seniors’ Golf Association and played many of the world’s greatest courses. Over the years, Hap enjoyed many adventures—both at sea and on the links—traveling with family and friends. During his later years, he turned his fiercely competitive spirit to bridge, backgammon, and puzzles.
Over the course of his lifetime, Hap was an active member of many clubs including The Hope Club; Agawam Hunt; the Sakonnet Golf, Point, and Yacht Clubs; Quail Valley; and Rio Mar. In his life of service, Hap served on the boards of the Swan Point Cemetery and Women’s and Infant’s Hospital.
Hap was a true gentleman respected for his charm, integrity, and intellect. You were in for a fun night if you were seated next to Hap at a dinner. He was the “North Star” of the family. Hap’s spirit lives on through his daughters Katharine “Kim” Merriman and Anne Wells; his son-in-law David; his adored granddaughters Lila, Harriett, and Katharine; and his brother David. He is reunited with Kit; his parents Howard and Anne; and his brother Alex. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Little Compton.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Unite the World with Africa Foundation. https://www.uniteafricafoundation.org/donate.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Lazaro Mahulo - Anne's Friend
December 21, 2023, 7:38 pm
Feeling very sorry to hear the pass of Anne’s father. My condolences to you Anne, and your entire family, we pray that the Lord may give you strength and comfort which no man can offer during this unimaginable time.
My wife and I are praying for you. Be encouraged, be strong and may we pray that our Father’s rest in eternal peace, Amen.
Steven Mackinney - Friend
December 21, 2023, 9:05 pm
I love this beautiful family with all my heart. I will carry the examples that both Hap and Kit set for my two sisters and me throughout my lifetime. Love is eternal.. thank you.
Brad Boss - Friend
December 27, 2023, 4:37 pm
For so many years, Hap was always a special and caring friend-on and off the golf course and in life. He had a way about him that made you feel welcome and with a word or two, you’d start to Chuckle. He was as well a superb Backgammon player, loved sailing, but at golf he thrived most of his life with long straight drives. It was like his life, long, straight and so loving of Kit and his family. I’m proud that he thought of me as a friend. God Bless Him!
Mark Crevier - Retired SRVP / CFO of Women & Infants Hospital
June 8, 2024, 7:07 pm
Anne and Kim, I attended today’s memorial service for your Dad. It was a wonderful celebration of his life. All three of you did a great job recalling the many fond memories that you have of your Dad. At 35 years old when I took the job of SRVP / CFO at Women & Infants Hospital ( WIH ) I had the privilege of working with Hap in his role as the Chairman of the WIH Finance Committee. While I knew a lot about accounting, Hospital finances and Insurance Company contracts, I was a total rookie at how to run a Finance Committee meeting, what information the Trustees of the Hospital required and how best to keep them informed without overloading them with details. Hap was a true mentor who was always there for me as I learned the ropes of conducting these Finance Committee meetings. Hap and I would meet every month a day or two prior to the meeting, to review the materials and make sure that I had everything the way he wanted it to be presented. Working with / for him in this role was a fantastic 10 year learning experience. In addition to this relationship, Hap was also my Investment advisor and guided me in building college funds for my two children. Thanks to Hap’s advice and expertise, by the time that they started college in 1997 and 1999, each of their college educations were fully funded !! Your Dad was a great man and someone who I feel very lucky to have had in my life helping me along the way. Mark Crevier 6/8/2024.