I read of the passing of Judge John Merrick with mixed emotions, some sad, some glad as he had a long life and was a great positive influence in this community. I would not be qualified as a friend, only a friendly acquaintance of his.
Whenever I attended an installation, there was John Merrick at the Malibu Board of Realtors, The Chamber of Commerce, The Lions Club, Rotary Club or Kiwanis Club. He was an entertaining speaker with a great sense of humor. We always laughed at each other’s jokes. I liked that, but I knew most of the time he was just being kind.
John was an honest, straightforward person who I never heard speak ill of anyone, regardless of his opinion of them. I do know that he liked some better than others.
His last public act was in running for office for the first Malibu City Council. He was attacked by his opposition unfairly and with a great vengeance. It was something that he never deserved. He suffered a medical setback and withdrew from the campaign. I wished that he could have been elected on that first council to give some common sense and direction to that council, rather thane the two factions that disliked each other. The community would have benefited and this could have been a friendlier place for his even-handed guidance.
Most of all, he was a good guy.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Tom Bates