Pete Merritt, 78

Ralph Palmer “Pete” Merritt III, 78, passed away Wednesday, Sep. 25, 2024, in Sandpoint, Idaho. A celebration of Pete’s life will be held in the near future.

Pete was born March 4, 1946, in Torrance, Calif., to Ralph and Cle Merritt. He grew up and attended school in Redlands, Calif., where he graduated high school and played football.

Pete served his country in the United States Navy where he served three tours in Vietnam as a radioman aboard the U.S.S. Chicago.

On March 15, 1985, he married Barbara Kay Sicard (nee Black) in Yucaipa, Calif.

Pete worked in the banking industry for over 40 years and was a bank manager, mortgage lender and title rep. In 1996, he and Barb moved to Sandpoint. Pete continued his work in title and banking before his retirement in 2012.

Pete had a rich life full of experiences and enjoyed a range of hobbies but his passion was fishing.  From fly fishing to deep sea angling, Pete did it all and he loved to share this with his wife, his children and friends. He cherished the friendships this sport brought into his life much more than the fishing itself. Pete was blessed with a wonderful group of friends and he was especially proud of his 12 years of sobriety and membership in the AA fellowship.

Pete is survived by his wife, Barb Merritt of Sandpoint; two sons, Rob (Aubrey) Merritt of Bellingham, Wash., and Kevan (Rachelle) Matheson of Sandpoint; his daughter, Annie (Ryan) Robershaw of Bellingham, Wash.; and four grandchildren, Carter and Gavin Merritt and Lauren and Douglas Matheson.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Pete’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.