KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Harry William “Bill” Merriman was born Sept. 5, 1936, at Palo Alto hospital and passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family on June 11, 2023.

Bill was a graduate of Sequoia High School in 1955. He was hired by the Ampex Corp. in Redwood City in 1955 as a production worker. He climbed the ranks to become the youngest foreman in the history of the company.

In 1971, Bill relocated to Kelseyville with his then wife, Geraldine Ornellas. They had a son Brad in 1973. Bill owned a small gas station in Kelseyville in the 1970s. He was hired at Kelseyville Fire Department in 1983 as a firefighter/mechanic.

Bill married Jeanette Gilmore in 1985. For 25 years Bill loved and was honored to serve the citizens of Kelseyville. He was well respected and adored in the community and by his family and friends. He retired in 2008 from Kelseyville Fire.

Bill’s last few years were enjoyed in the company of his close lady friend, Jeanette Kemp, who he adored and loved.

He is survived by his son, Brad; daughter-in-law, Nichole; grandson, Shane; and step grandkids, Luca, Charlotte, Olivia and Samantha.

A memorial service will be held at Kelseyville Fire Department, 4020 Main St., on June 25 at 1:30 p.m.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.