Merrill Hantford Prime

Merrill Hantford Prime, age 84, of Avonport, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family, on January 16, 2021, in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Freeport, Nova Scotia, Merrill loved fishing at sea with his father and grandfather; he adored the life supported by his island home in the Bay of Fundy. Although his adult life took him elsewhere, Merrill always returned home, preferring to fish from the shore for trout in the brook, or mackerel off the rocks along the St. Mary’s Bay. Merrill’s love of the natural world led him to university studies in Biology. He studied in Rochester, New York, then in Guelph, Ontario, both places where he had family connections. Upon graduation, he returned to Nova Scotia, where he accepted a professional position that began his successful career as a wildlife biologist. Merrill was well respected personally and professionally, making many friends with colleagues over his 33-year career with the Department of Natural Resources. Merrill was the Director of the Wildlife Division of the Department of Natural Resources when he retired in 1994. Everyone who knew Merrill over the years associated him with his dogs. In Freeport, he could be seen walking them in Beautiful Cove, and in Port Williams, along the dykes of the Cornwallis River. More recently, Merrill and his dogs opted for simple explorations around his backyard, and his two golden retrievers were always by his side for friendship and affection. Merrill loved his dogs deeply - that love was reciprocated, providing him profound companionship over his lifetime. Merrill was gentle, kind, compassionate, and his relationships with animals spoke volumes about his character as a man. Merrill was independent, strong, soft-hearted, and unique; he had a wide variety of hobbies to keep him, and others, entertained. Bottle-digging, fishing, walking, gardening, guitar playing, reading, listening to old country and folk music, tying flies, and watching sports on television were just a few of the many things that made Merrill a multifaceted human being. One of Merrill’s most favourite hobbies was seeking relaxation and solitude while hunting in the woods of Central Grove and spending time at "Timberdoodle".  Merrill was a talented and gifted photographer, capturing the natural beauty of all forms of life. Merrill loved his family. He was a proud, supportive, and exceptional father, and "Papa" to his grandchildren. He was described by his family, and extended family, as a person full of patience, wisdom, guidance, endless stories, love, adventure and play. In his most recent years, Merrill lived a quiet life and enjoyed: a good cup of coffee with the daily newspaper (or the latest issue of Passages), listening to the radio, a home filled with the sounds of joy from his grandchildren and many pets, trips to the barber shop, birdwatching in the backyard, and phone conversations with dear friends and family. Merrill was peaceful, humble, gracious, and appreciative. He practiced daily gratitude and will leave behind a legacy of beautiful memories for his loved ones to cherish forever. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the Emergency, ICU, and Medical B departments at the Valley Regional Hospital, for their professionalism and kindness during Merrill’s time spent in their care. Merrill was the son of the late Rendall H. Prime and Alida M. (Outhouse) Tibert, and the stepson of the late Gene B. Tibert.  Merrill is survived by his daughters, Chelsea (Tyler) Yeaton, Lezley Prime and Lyndse (Wally) Prime; grandchildren, Oakley Prime Yeaton and Ryder Prime Yeaton; sister, Sharon (Ken) Dewolfe-Dacey; nephews, Laine DeWolfe and Darren DeWolfe; and many extended family members that held a dear place in his heart. In addition to his family, Merrill will be greatly missed at home by the family pets. Cremation has taken place and at Merrill’s request, there will be no service. If you wish to celebrate Merrill’s life, we invite you to take a walk among the spruce trees - enjoy the fresh air in your lungs, and the warmth of sunshine on your face. And if you have a dog, sneak them a few extra treats underneath the dinner table and say they are "from Papa". Donations in memory may be made to Hope for Wildlife. Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.