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Maurice J. Merrick ’49

Maurice J. ]49, June 5, 2007, in Portland. After service with the U.S. Army in Europe, Maury was intrigued by the history behind his experience, and applied to Reed on the G.I. Bill. The government resources were meager, and his support for his family took priority over his education; he studied for three years with a focus in mathematics and physics. He took a position with Sawyer's (View Master Corporation), ending up as chief research engineer after 10 years. After the company sold, he went to work at Tektronix; Howard Vollum ’36 had been a grammar school friend and a physics lab assistant while Maury was at Reed. Maury spent 15 years as manager of camera design and engineering at Tektronix, before accepting an offer to design and teach a course in optical technology at Portland Community College. His work with Tektronix continued on a part-time basis, and he retired from the business and teaching in 1984. By then, he had served as chair of science and industry for the college. He married Doris E. Ryland in 1942; they had five children, and traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad. In retirement, he continued to develop his skills in woodcarving and sculpture. Throughout his life, he enjoyed outdoor activities, including skiing, rock climbing, and mountain climbing. Survivors include his wife, three sons and a daughter, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Appeared in Reed magazine: February 2008

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