Merrill G. Brand

Merrill was born July 20,1928 to Deane & Fern Brand in Toledo, OH. and raised with his wonderful brother John (Ginny). He was a graduate of Devilbiss High School and attended The University of Toledo, he was an avid fan of all their sports. Left with wonderful memories is his cherished wife of 65 years Jane. Merrill worked for the Bostwick and Brawn Co. before starting his own business with a partner in 1958-Coleman Sales & Service. The RV dealership has remained family owned and is now run by his son-in-law Tom Chalfin, Grandsons Jamie Chalfin and Andy Chalfin, and Tom’s brother Jack Chalfin which has made him very proud. In 1957 they moved to he and Jane’s property that is the picturesque Shady Lane Farm. They worked together many years to make it the home where they raised their two girls Jenny Dutot (Paul) and Laurie Chalfin (Tom). You could find Merrill in his beloved barn teaching his grandsons about tools, working on his tractors, building a piece of furniture for a daughter, or hiding away tinkering on some project for Jane. He loved visiting his Grandfathers farm in Haskins, OH as he grew up with a special affection for the draft horses. Shady Lane became home to his small size version shetland pony teams Candy and Ida, and Ma and Sticky, that he harnessed up and trotted around the pasture with great pleasure. His love of animals also filled the barn with chickens, sheep, a goat, and a donkey over the years, and finally with Jane’s quaint and popular Shady Lane Farm Craft Barn. He had a strong love of country the he showed by joining the National Guard after WWII and was called up to be of service during the Korean War. He had a strong love of God that he shared with the congregation at Ashland church where he served on executive and trustee boards. You’d find him greeting, hosting or lending a hand. He treasured his Saturday breakfast club and his dear friend Earl. He had a great love of family. His Grandchildren Brad (Lisa), Jamie (Carrie), Julie (John), and Andy were the light of his life, and the Great Grand Kids, Vivi, Garrett, Hamilton, Juli, Wes, Will, Tommy, & Jack brought him such joy even in the last months as he sat on his front porch and they had a kazoo bike parade for him. “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard” Winnie the Pooh If your heart is moved to leave a remembrance, please consider donating to Ashland Church permanent and trust fund or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. There will be no visitation and the family will be holding a private service. Arrangements were entrusted to Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg (419-874-3133).