Merwin L. Spalding

Merwin L Spalding died on July 2, 2019 at his new residence, Countryside Village.

He was born in Grants Pass November 7, 1926 to Epsie Lee Spalding and Eldon L Spalding. He graduated Grants Pass High School in 1944 and attended the University of Oregon school of business. His education was interrupted when he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps for pilot training in 1945. Later that year, the war ended and he was honorably discharged. He then returned to Oregon where he met his wife of 71 years, Sally Zoe Bates. They were married May 29, 1948 in Roseburg, Oregon.

Merve joined his father Eldon at Spalding and Son, the family lumber company originally started by his grandfather, William Spalding in 1905.

Merve was active in high school football, basketball and track, holding the GP high school high jump record for many years until broken by Dick Fosbury. He was an active contributor to Grants Pass High School and University of Oregon athletics. He served as Grants Pass Active Club president during the first Boatnik celebration and was a member of the Elks Club.

Merve and Eldon Spalding believed strongly in college education so they provided summer employment at the Spalding mill enabling many young people to attend college. Merve was also an enthusiastic supporter of American Saddlebred horses, attending his wife and daughters’ horse shows for many years.

A dedicated lumberman and not believing in retirement, Merve was at his office at Spalding and Son up until the day he passed away.

He is survived by his wife Sally; daughters Libby (Ted) Watts, Leslie Spalding, and Erin Spalding; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister Anita Reynolds.

A private family memorial is planned at a later date. Merve may be remembered with a contribution to Josephine County Educational Fund, Inc.