Obituary from Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA - March 21, 2009

Bryan Scott Merrell, of Poulsbo, WA, died of a sudden heart attack March 19, 2009 at the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal. Born September 3, 1963 in Rolla, MO, he was 45.

He grew up in Anchorage, AK, graduated from Prairie High School in 1981, WSU in 1985 and U of Idaho in 1988 with a JD degree.

For the last 15 years, he was an attorney for First American Title, first as regional counsel and senior divisional underwriter in Seattle, WA and as state counsel and title manager in Anchorage, AK. Prior to that, he was an attorney with both Groh Eggers Price and Routh Crabtree in Anchorage.

Bryan adored his two dogs, Panda and Murphy. He was a Seahawks season ticket holder and a Mariners and WSU Cougars fan. He enjoyed motoring in his convertible MINI, boating on the Puget Sound, gardening and writing.

He married Jeri Sisco Merrell on June 21, 1997, and was a devoted father to his stepsons, Benjamin and Zachary Moore, all of Poulsbo, WA. He is also survived by parents, Jackie (Hale) and Dale Merrell, of Aloha, OR, his sister's family, Michelle (Merrell) and Kenneth Ackerman and their children Scott and Alexander Ackerman.

An informal celebration of life will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at the Poulsbo Sons of Norway hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bryan's name to the King County Humane society or your local animal rescue organization.