OBITUARY...
A celebration of Life for Haig Merryman, 53, of Gillette, will be at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 14, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church in Gillette. Pastor Ginny Bettendorf will be officiating. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. The Gillette American Legion Post 42 will conduct a flag presentation.

Haig Merryman died on Sunday, November 9, 2003 in Billings, Montana of natural causes.

Haig was born on July 5, 1950, in Huron, South Dakota. He was the son of Margaret (Kuhn) and Dr. Murlin Paul (M.P.) Merryman. As an infant he moved to Rapid City and it was there he was raised and educated, graduating from Rapid City High School in 1968. He enlisted in the United States Navy on January 6, 1969. While in the navy he received a National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnam Service Acknowledgement , as well as a Golden Shellback Certificate and a Certificate of Circumnavigating the Globe. He was educated as a Class A Medic in the Naval Hospital Corps School and was honorably discharged in January 1975. Haig married Catherine Ann Bunch of Seattle, Washington in January 1973. One son, Jason Paul Merryman, was born of this union on April 8, 1976. They later divorced.

Haig furthered his education by attending the University of South Dakota in Brookings, South Dakota, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in both Agricultural and Biological Science in December of 1977 and in Arts & Science in May of 1978. In 1977 Haig moved to Edgemnt, South Dakopta and worked for Custom Crafts until 1979. He then began his 24-year career with what is now known as Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. Haig Moved to Gillette, Wyoming in 1983 and, in addition to working on the railroad, was a property manager for P & E Investments. In 1984 he met Krista Steffen who rented a town home from him. They were married on October 12, 1985 in Gillette, Wyoming.

It was in Haigs nature to be busy. He was an active member of his community and volunteered his services to Campbell County Memorial Hospital through the Festival of Trees and Youth Volunteer Program. He was a member of the United Transportation Union, the Episcopalian Church in Rapid City, and the Arrowhead Country Club in Rapid City, where he has golfed since the age of 12. Haig loved to work with his hands and utilized his artistic and creative talents in many ways. He was currently in the process of building his third home and loved to landscape. He took pride n his work and was always pleased when someone would stop by one of his projects to awe. If Haig was not busy at home, he was busy installing sprinkler systems, building fences, or designing landscapes, business logos, and signs among many other items for friends and family. Most importantly, Haig was family oriented. He based his schedule around his childrens activities. He enjoyed watching all of his boys in their various sporting activities throughout the years. However, he was most proud of his childrens academic achievements.

Haig is survived by his wife, Krista, and their three children Michael William, Justin Steffen, and Andrew Walker, all of Gillette, one son, Jason Paul Merryman of Seattle, Washington, his mother, Margaret of Rapid City, South Dakota, one brother Walker Merryman of Silver Hills, Maryland, mother-in-law Ruth Steffen of Gillette, Wyoming, and his faithful companion, his dog, Boz. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, father, and father-in-law.

A memorial in Haigs name to benefit the Advocacy for Visual Arts (AVA) has been established and an educational fund for his children has been established by the United Transportation Union. Donations can be sent in care of Stevenson Funeral Home, 210 W. 5th St., Gillette, Wyoming 82716. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.