GARY D. DEMERCHANT

Fort Fairfield – Gary D. DeMerchant, 80, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday June 16, 2019,his Fort Fairfield residence. He was born June 21, 1938 in Fort Fairfield, the son of Donald A. and Mary P. (Hudson) DeMerchant. He was a graduate of the Fort Fairfield High School, Class of 1957,was a lifelong resident of Fort Fairfield. He was employed in the potato industry, a lifelong passion, his entire life. He started working in 1952 with his father at D.A. DeMerchant and Son Farms. Through ambition, determination, and the embrace of new methods and technologies he aggressively grew the operation to Pond Farms Incorporated. Selling the Company to a Belgium firm in 1977. He was later employed with Maine Farmers Exchange until his retirement in 2017. He was predeceased by his parents, and is survived by one son, Donald DeMerchant and partner Alexandra Edmunds of Bethel; two daughters, Amy DeMerchant of Portland and Cathy Sherman of Orono; one sister, Judith Cohen and her husband Herbert of Kennebunkport; three grandchildren, Eira DeMerchant, Chelsea Kirk and Allison Burditt; and four nieces, Barrie McMullen, Beth Cohen, Sue Cohen and Ali Curtis.Friends called Thursday June 20, 2019 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield. Funeral services were conducted Friday June 21, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, Fort Fairfield. Interment followed at the Riverside Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments was held atVFW Paul Lockhart Post Number 6187, Presque Isle Street, Fort Fairfield, immediately following the interment. Those who wish may contribute in memory of Mr. DeMerchant to the charity or organization of one’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at: www.gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com