Gorham residents, as well as many other people throughout southern Maine and beyond continue to mourn the recent death of Lyle Merrifield, a noted maple syrup producer, community volunteer, and amateur agricultural historian, who died at his home in North Gorham on Sept. 8 at age 62.
Merrifield’s many accomplishments include his service with the Gorham town planning board, the Southern Maine Maple Producers Association (where he was one of the founding members); the Maine Maple Producers Association (where he was the current president) and the Cumberland Farmers Club (where he served as a superintendent, a director, and vice president). At the time of his passing, he was serving as the president of the Cumberland County Fair.
Merrifield’s fascination for collecting antiques and his interest in New England agricultural history led him to start his own farm tool and implement museum at the family farm.
Photo credit: Merrifield FamilyHe was a life-long North Gorham resident, built or remodeled many of his neighbors’ homes, and was always involved in the life of the community.
As a young man Merrifield worked at Hall Equipment in Windham. Later he worked for his brother, Lynn Merrifield, who owned Merrifield Builders. In 1986 he started his own business, Merrifield Construction. For many years, he operated Merrifield Farm on North Gorham Road, which continues to produce a variety of maple sugar products and is a popular spot on Maine Maple Sunday every March.
Merrifield resided in Gorham for most of his life. He graduated from Gorham High School in 1981. When he was fifteen, Merrifield became a volunteer at the North Gorham Fire Station. Later he became their youngest captain, serving for over 15 years. He was instrumental in the purchase of Gorham’s first Fire & Rescue boat.
A memorial service was held at the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Sunday Sept. 15.
Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Jo-Ann (Pollard) Merrifield of North Gorham; two daughters, Alexis Merrifield and Molly Bellefleur; his brothers and sisters, Lance Merrifield, Lynn Merrifield, Leslie Merrifield, Lawri Foye and Lindsey Merrifield; and many nieces and nephews.
[This article was compiled from information obtained from the website of the Gray, Maine United Church of Christ.]