Robert 'Robin' Merrifield

Robert "Robin" McKee Merrifield, age 74, passed away peacefully in his home on Aug. 11, 2012. He was born July 15, 1938, in Memphis, Tenn., to George Merrifield II and Roberta (Ross) Merrifield of Helena, Ark. Robin lived a full life and will be remembered as a youthful and free spirited individual who was dedicated to his wife, Susan, family and friends. He was very successful in his engineering career, and was passionate about his hobbies. His interests included woodworking, horticulture, music and numerous outdoor activities. He loved playing the conga drums with two local Bellingham bands. His recent musical pursuits brought him much happiness and content. Robin attended high school primarily at the Chamberlain Hunt Military Academy in Fort Gibbons, Miss. He went on to serve three years with the Air Force. After receiving an honorable discharge, he spent one summer working at the Bethesda Home for Boys in Georgia, and then attended the University of Arkansas, where he received a B.A. in electrical engineering. After graduation, he went on a spiritual sojourn and traveled to Big Sur, Calif., where he spent time at the Esalen Institute. While in California he obtained his M.A. in psychology from San Fernando Valley State College. He then moved to Seattle area to work as an electrical engineer at Boeing for the majority of his career where he played an integral role in the LED cockpit lighting program for aircraft and spacecraft. In 2004, the Society for Information Display honored him with a special recognition award for his distinguished and valued contributions to the information display field. Upon retiring, he moved to Mazama, Wash., with Susan and hand-built a beautiful, custom home. They later moved to Bellingham, Wash., to be closer to family. Robin is preceded in death by his parents; and his only brother, George Merrifield III. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Merrifield; daughter, Meg (Mitch) Wright of Springdale, Ark., and their children, Erin and Evan; stepdaughters, Kori (Frank) Shuda of Huntersville, N.C., and their children, Austin, Caleb and Jonah, and Jennifer (Derek) Koellmann of Bellingham, Wash., and their children, Madison and Sam; and many loving relatives and friends. Memorials can be made to Fellowship Bible Church of NWA, Robert Merrifield Memorial, 1051 Pleasant Grove Road, Rogers AR 72758. You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com. Westford Family Funeral Home & Cremation.