Tony Merriman

Tony Merriman, 81, passed away on January 3, 2020 surrounded by loved ones in Camarillo, California.  Born to Albert and Emma (Plant) Merriman on January 1, 1939 in Birmingham, England as the only son of four children, Tony expressed from an early age a desire to care for those around him and provide for his loved ones.  As a teenager, his family immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1953 and then moved to Ojai, California in 1954 where he would graduate from Nordhoff High School in 1956. 

In 1957, Tony opted to join the Air Force.  His service was honorable, of merit, and displayed his commendable conduct.  While in the Air Force, he became a United States citizen.  He left the Air Force in 1961, and then began his work at the Camarillo State Hospital as a nursing supervisor and psychiatric technician.  Throughout his career, Tony dedicated himself to helping and aiding both patients and staff until his retirement in 1995. 

Tony and his first wife, Jane Brown, bore two children together, Michael and Darlene.  Though the two grew apart and the marriage dissolved, Tony found love again in Clare Romines, and the two married in 1976.  Bearing no children together, they merged their children from previous marriages to create a family of love and devotion.  Tony and Clare were married for nearly 44 years. 

In addition to spending time with his family, Tony enjoyed woodworking, golfing, throwing darts, and camping.  However, he found true fulfillment in building, repairing, and crafting things for his home. 

Tony was preceded in death by his mother and father; sisters, Margaret, Barbara and Della; and son, Michael.  He is survived by his wife, Clare; daughter, Darlene; stepdaughter, Terrie and her son, Devin; stepdaughter, Tammie and her children, Hilary, Mariah, Weston and Quinton; stepdaughter, Michelle, her husband, Eric and their sons, Dylan and Enzo; and many nieces and nephews. 

Tony devoted himself to his family, making every effort to not only care and provide for them, but to be there for them as well, whenever needed.  All members knew they could depend on him for anything.  He was the rock of many, steadfast through any tragedy or hardship.  He will long be remembered by his loved ones, and by those whose lives he touched. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 2:00 pm at the Chapel of the Islands at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park: 2052 Howard Rd, Camarillo, CA 93012.

...Family in the care of Erin Arteaga, Funeral Director