TIFFT, MERRILL CHARLES, age 79. Merrill died December 5th (2017) at The Laurels of Mt. Pleasant, MI. He was born in Minneapolis MN and lived in Chicago IL, Flossmoor IL, Chicago Hts. IL, Bernindina FL, and Amelia Island before moving to Mt. Pleasant MI in 2012. During his work life he managed a family Chemical Plant and owned a limo service, driving customers from the south suburbs of Chicago to O”Hare airport. The Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Bulls were his sports teams and he was a diehard fan, having to wait seventy years to see the Cubs become a decent ball club. Since he was a little kid, Merrill loved cars, playing All-Star baseball and listening to rock and roll. Our favorite early times were the two week vacation times we spent with our cousins Lars and Charlie Lofgren at Green Lake, WI. Merrill’s love of cars eventually led him to purchase quite a few T-Birds, and even a Shelby, which he recently wished he had never sold.

Merrill’s mom, Charlotte Mildred Lofgren Tifft, his dad, Merrill C. Tifft, his niece, Tara April Tifft, and his wife, Barbara Donovan Tifft preceded him in death. He is survived by me, his brother, Larry Tifft (Kate Rosier), his two nephews, Skye Markham Tifft and Quinten Matthew Tifft (Vicki) and his two nieces; Brandy Tifft Bellinger (Fernando Martinez) and Love Tifft Vavzincak (Brad). Merrill is also survived by eight grand nieces and nephews: Nathaniel, Alyssa, and Zina Bellinger(Juan Granados). Matthew (Jordan Holt), Morgan, and Maggie Tifft; and Phoenix and Blade Vavzincak.

Merrill had many friends who remained so since his high school years. They are Bob and Sandy Wagner, Dennis Thom, whom we called “Phipps”, Diane Thom Lepley, and Paul and Peggy Kunkel. They were very great friends who Mer relied on and who brought him great joy. When on Amelia Island, FL, he loved his Samoyed dogs and walking on the beach. When Merrill moved to Mt. Pleasant he lived with Skye, Mark Grant and me. Here he devoured Mark’s cooking. and the houseful of teen-aged boys. Merrill also got to enjoy our extended family’s birthday and holiday event celebrations, hosted by Colleen Tifft his friend of sixty years. Coming out to Kate's to watch the Bears' terrible football and Matt Tifft's exciting Xfinity NASCAR races, our running commentaries, and great Sunday meals brought much pleasure. After a year of increasing falls, pneumonia and the effects of Diabetes 2 and Parkinsons, Merrill moved to The Laurels. Here for the last four years he experienced a good number of friendships and meaningful conversations with fellow residents and staff members. But most important to him was the wonderful care he received from the nurses, aides, and staff. Some became his family, loving him, taking him out for dinner, visiting him and making these years – as he told me – “the happiest years of his life.” To these friends I am most grateful. You know, they all called me “Merrill’s brother” an identification I am honored and proud to embrace.

Merrill requested and has been cremated and wished his ashes to be scattered off Amelia Island in the Atlantic Ocean. Those wishing to make a contribution should spread joy to those around them.

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