Individual Details

Death

Merrill (Sam) Newman Crandall - our beloved brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather - left this mortal life quietly and peacefully on September 12, 2005 after a short illness. The deep loss that we feel at his passing is tempered greatly by the knowledge that he is with his wonderful sweetheart and wife of 65 years, and that together they are walking the paths of eternity. Merrill was born in Orem on November 28, 1918 to Carson Charles Crandall and Joy Newman Crandall. Merrill was blessed with four siblings, two brothers and two sisters, all of whom survive him: Camille Alldredge, Laura Bilboa, John Crandall, and Paul Crandall. Merrill was born and raised in the middle of beautiful fruit orchards, stretching for blocks in all directions in Central Orem. Merrill's grandfather had homesteaded this acreage in 1887, and Merrill would never stray from it for the entirety of his life. Indeed, the beautiful orchards became a deep part of him. From the days of his early youth, to his teenage years, to his years as a father and grandfather and great-grandfather, Merrill could always be found in his orchard - carefully and lovingly pruning the trees, irrigating the fields, thinning the crop, and harvesting the fruit. But another, more important, growth and harvest took place in these orchards. Many of us learned about work there. Many of us learned about dedication and devotion and endurance, and about working through the hard times that come with farming - and with life. And even more of us learned about sacrifice and service and love. The greatest harvest that came from Merrill's orchards can't be counted in bushels or pecks, but instead is counted in the character and in the heart of those who were so privileged to be with him, to learn from him, and to emulate his example. Merrill met Lyle Kofford - the love of his life and his eternal sweetheart - while they both were growing up in Orem. They were married on November 27, 1937, and were later sealed in the Manti Temple. It is difficult for anyone to picture Merrill without Lyle, or Lyle without Merrill. They were always together, raising their family, working hard in their orchard, and serving others. That is probably why, after she passed away in 2002, the following years were so difficult for Merrill. Merrill and Lyle had great happiness in their life. Much of that happiness came from family. Merrill and Lyle had six children, four of whom still survive: Deanne and Gary Keetch, Marilyn and Jay Harris, Nancy and Ken Furr, and Tim and Natalie Crandall. They have 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, every one of whom resides in either Salt Lake or Utah County. Seldom do any of these extended family members miss significant family gatherings or activities. There have been countless Christmases and Thanksgivings where these family members - every single one of them - have gathered in the Crandall basement for food and fun. Merrill's and Lyle's family stayed close together because they made it a priority to keep the family together. Merrill's life was not without significant challenges and trials. He lost his oldest son, Mikey, to polio at age two. He lost his second son, Dan, in a terrible forest fire accident at age twenty-two. These losses were devastating to Merrill - his heart never fully healed from the loss. But instead of simply retreating inward, after Dan's death Merrill seemed to reach outward. For almost 40 years, he served in a succession of Church callings where he provided great service to others - first as a ward clerk, then as a bishop, then as a member of the stake presidency. He was not released from the last of these leadership callings until he was nearing eighty years of age - a great tribute to his strength and stamina, but much more importantly, a reflection of his great and giving heart. When we think of Merrill, we will think of the many terms of endearment that we have for him: Dad, Sam, Papa Sam, Pa, and Grandpa. We will always remember a kind and gentle man - a husband, patriarch, friend, and bus driver. Merrill had a deep and abiding testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of us have rested our own testimonies on his during the difficult times and challenges of our lives. His love for each of us was immeasurable and unshakeable. In his kind and gentle way, he exuded a confidence and calm that always seemed to put things in perspective, and always seemed to make things better. That is Merrill, and that is why we love him. Funeral services for Merrill will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 15, 2005, at the Orem Cascade 2nd Ward, 481 East Center Street in Orem. Friends may call at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 583 East 800 North in Orem, on Wednesday, September 14th, from 6-8 p.m., and at the Church on Thursday from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Burial will be in the Orem City Cemetery.
Published by Deseret News on Sep. 14, 2005