I first met Merritt in San Franciso in the 80's when we were both singing at the Maritime Festivals at the Hyde Street Pier. What a lovely and kind man he was! I was delighted when he moved to Portland and we got to sing together at sea chanty concerts and at Singtime Folics and at song circles...he was a joy to know. But my life drifted away from those lovely times and as my bands got busy and my home life got complcated, I saw him less often. It was only this spring I learned he was ill and then all too soon he was gone. I never got to say goodbye. Yes, there is a hole in the fabric....too big to mend. I will always miss him and that gentle smile.