Alan Lester Merritt, 75, of Bow, passed away on November 3, 2022, at home.  He was born September 24, 1947, in Seattle, first-born to Lester Carlton Merritt and Evelyn Bernice Johnson Merritt.  Early childhood was spent in Alderwood area until his family moved to Bayview Edison Road in October 1954 to start a dairy farm.  Alan kept busy with farm chores and school sports.

Alan attended Edison Grade School and Burlington Edison High School for 9th grade.  In August 1962 his family moved to Kelso where he graduated in 1965 from Kelso High School.  He later went to PLU and graduated in 1969 with a BBA in business administration.  Upon graduation he began Army Basic Training and became a medic in the Army Reserve from 1970 to 1976.  Later, he graduated from the Washington Ag-Forestry Education Foundation.

Following several years of industrial work with PM Northwest and Dow Chemical, Alan pursued his love of farming in 1976 growing cash crops and a few apples.  In the early 80's he became more serious about growing Merritt Apples into a multi-faceted business.  The business grew from a wholesale business selling to packing houses in eastern Washington to include a retail gift shop selling bulk apples, boxed apples, mail order gift apples as well as jams and juice.  Alan managed the growing, packing and selling for over 40 very busy years.

In later years, he worked at Rosabella's Garden Bakery with his wife Rose for 15 years before they retired in 2017.

Alan has sat on numerous agricultural boards and county committees as well as local and statewide marketing groups and held several leadership positions.  The Lord Jesus has been his true guiding light in life, and he has been active in BSF, church membership and activities.

Alan gave credit to his parents who completely supported his farming ventures in early years.  Other family members helped when they could.  In 1993, a blessing came into his life when he was given Rose's contact information while she served in the Peace Corps in Russia.  After corresponding, she returned to the US in 1995, worked for Alan in his apple business and they married in 1996.  An incredible partner in life, work, travel and worship of the Lord, Rose also built and ran Rosabella's.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Bernice Merritt, aunts Alice and Alva Johnson and Uncle Cal Johnson.  He is survived by wife Rose, brother Randy Merritt, sister Kris Merritt and cousins Nancy Workman (Dennis), Gary Johnson (Selina), Joan Hirt, six nephews and several grand nephews and nieces.

With his sweet spirit, Alan was loved by many.  A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held for him on Friday, November 18 at 2 p.m. at Valley Community Church, 800 E Rio Vista Ave. in Burlington followed by a reception downstairs in the Fellowship Hall.

Please visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register.

Arrangements made under care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.