Merlin Kay Partridge

 Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Merlin Partridge, age 83, passed peacefully through the veil at sunrise on Sunday, April 28, 2024. Merlin was born on January 21,1941, in Panguitch, UT to Arthur and Mary Owens Partridge.  He graduated from Panguitch High School where he participated in many sports including baseball, basketball and track and field. He also served as student body president. Merlin’s family were farmers and ranchers in Panguitch. Merlin learned to work hard and developed a strong work ethic alongside his father and brothers working on the farm.

 Merlin married his high school sweetheart, Lida Hatch, on August 10, 1962, for time and all eternity in the St. George Temple. Merlin adored Lida and always treated her with great kindness and affection. Merlin and Lida lived in Salt Lake City while Merlin attended and graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in education. The couple was blessed with six children. Merlin worked many different jobs over the course of his lifetime. He retired from the Utah State Library where his various duties included driving the state bookmobile through rural Utah and learning to read braille while working to provide literature for the blind.

  Merlin was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He and Lida served three church missions; Arizona, Phoenix; New York, Rochester; and New Zealand, Wellington. His love for his fellow man as well as his love for the Savior made him a natural missionary. Merlin served in many positions in his ward including second counselor in the bishopric. After his retirement Merlin and Lida spent a great deal of time serving in the temple. Some of Merlin’s grandchildren’s greatest memories are of going to the temple with Grandpa.

 Merlin loved to help people in any way he could, and his life was spent in service to others. He had a huge, generous heart and showed love and compassion to everyone. He was quick with a smile and hugged everyone. He was happy, content, positive and never spoke ill of anyone. His greatest joy was time spent with family and friends. He and Lida enjoyed travelling with friends. Their destinations included New Port Beach, Laguna Beach, and Kauai as well as cruises in Europe and Mexico. In recent years, Merlin and Lida enjoyed living in St. George, sharing their lovely home with family and friends. If Merlin had something he shared it. Merlin continued to enjoy sports throughout his life. He followed the Utah Jazz and, for many years, could be heard saying, “Come on Karl!” to the TV. Merlin also coached many of his sons’ sports teams and loved watching his kids and grandkids play sports or participate in other activities. 

 Merlin was preceded in death by his parents; Arthur and Mary, his sister, Vernice; and brother, Kenny Greg. He is survived by: his wife, Lida; children Rodney (Kim), Debbie (Eric), Mary (Shawn), Jan (Keith), John, Chris (Lindsey); seventeen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

 Farewell for now our dearest Husband, Father, Grandpa and friend you are in our hearts until we meet again for eternity.

 Friends and family are welcome to gather for a viewing on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Bountiful 14th Ward, 1500 South 600 East, Bountiful. Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11:00 am at Bountiful14th Ward with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Merlin will be laid to rest following the service at Memorial Lakeview Cemetery, 1640 East Lakeview Drive, Bountiful.

  

 In Lieu of flowers please make donations to the Huntsman Cancer Institute 

 https://give.huntsmancancer.org/page/66450/donate/1