David Merrick

David Louis Merrick passed from this world on November 29, 2024, to be with the Lord, and to join his two sons, Travis and Caleb.

Dave is survived by his wife, Ilene Gormly, daughter, Kinsey Artfitch, two nieces, Connie and Susan, nephew, Barry, grandchildren, Sonja, Noah, and Ryiah Merrick, Gunnar, Remington, Colton, and Weston Artfitch, and step-grandchildren Brock and Tyler Artfitch. He was predeceased by his sons Travis and Caleb Merrick.

Dave was a mighty and brilliant man, physically, spiritually, and with amazing artistic and literary talent. Complicated, innovative and diverse in almost anything he took on, he had an innate ability to convey his thoughts and express his intellect in simple terms with immediate understanding. He left you speechless. Dave was like no other person you will ever experience in your life. He will be missed by all those he touched and were fortunate enough to call him "friend."  His life was filled with blessings and adventures. His artwork, paintings so realistic that they were often mistaken for photographs, is internationally known.  Many of his portraits are still on display at Billy Bob's in Dallas. His portrait of a wolf, "Indigo," was the most well-known piece of his art. In addition to portraiture and wildlife he was one of the preeminent rodeo artists of his time. He wrote many articles for Western Journal and Canada Free Press, primarily political commentary but always with spiritual content.  Dave was an ordained pastor with Calvary Chapel, and for a time had his own church in Westcliffe, Colorado. A gifted musician, he played the drums with talent and passion. He realized his dream of owning a farm when he and his family purchased a farm in Nebraska. While there, Dave successfully organized and implemented a resistance to a hog confine. He subsequently returned to Colorado, where he lived in Canon City and later in Brookside, Colorado, where a former CF&I mining company store was converted into a studio and a home for him and his wife.

An amazing athlete before a serious injury sidelined him, Dave RAN Pike's Peak every Thursday while living in Colorado Springs. Subsequent to his injury he rode a bicycle thirty miles each day, including over Skyline Drive in Canon City.

Of all his adventures and accomplishments, Dave was most happy with his role as husband, father, and grandfather. He dearly loved all of his children and grandchildren and his wife Ilene. We will all miss him tremendously and will never forget his wonderful spirit and loving nature, but we are consoled by the knowledge that he is with the Lord and has been reunited with his beloved sons.

At Dave's request there will be no service, and his ashes will be scattered.

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