NAPLES — Fremont Merriam, 85, went to his heavenly father, March 10, 2023, while at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born September 12, 1937, in Springvale, the son of late Thomas and Ada Merriam of North Berwick. Fremont lived a marvelous life, exemplary to anyone having the privilege of knowing him. From a child, he struggled with severe asthma coupled with poverty, the separation of his parents and hard living at his father’s farm. Nevertheless, by encouragement from positive mentors, and faith in God, he found in himself, tenacity to outwit and triumph over each challenge. While in his youth, he was precociously gifted with an advanced visual-spatial intellect, whereby he excelled in solving difficult puzzles, mathematical problems and dis- played an ability to draw and design at a professional level. He was also proficient with his hands and began woodworking at age 13.

After graduating from Sanford High School in 1955, he worked as a carpenter and married his true love, Norma Blaisdell Merriam of York, with whom he built his first home in North Berwick, raised seven children and remained faithfully married 65 years until his death.

Fremont’s talent and skillset opened a new career as a structural designer and draftsman for Hussey Seating in North Berwick, where he served for 17 years. While there, he was on the design team for projects such as the Shea Stadium and the Anaheim Stadium. Because of his proficiency and leadership, he became an excellent teacher for Hussey’s new recruits.

Fremont built his next home in York Village (1967) before he left Hussey to start his own construction business, Merriam & Sons, specializing in custom log homes. While living in York, Fremont and Norma summered with their children at their lakeside camp in Shapleigh, where he took great pleasure in his family life while recreating. The experience there inspired him to pursue lake living year-round and in 1977, he moved his family and business to Long Lake in Naples. While there, his log cabin company broadened to include general construction with projects such as the rebuilding of Pleasant Mountain’s main ski lodge after its fire and of the Songo River Queen II. He also opened Merriam’s Hardware and founded a third business known today as Great Northern Docks. By this time, he had over 40 people on his payroll, not including his children who found opportunities for employment in their formative years.

Aside from offering employment to his lakeside community, Fremont’s human connection with people was where the greatest value in him could be found. He cared for others, by teaching, giving respect and encouragement to those he worked with. He was also always mindful of the overall economic health of the community, as he developed a thorough brochure that represented the Naples Business Association while remaining as a longtime participating member.

Fremont eventually ended his construction career and closed the hardware store to focus on his dock business where he could again, apply his talent to greatness. He loved working on the water and conquering design challenges for his customers who would occasionally remark about his silent thought process – that it was worth watching. An important part of his business was his own inventions for specialty components needed for building docks. He became a manufacturer of his products and successfully distributed them to other builders and retailers. Little did he know at the time, his own designs and installation standards established a micro industry of dock service companies all around Maine.

He had a special fondness for the non-profit mission of Camp Susan Curtis where he regularly gave of his resources so they could have an excellent dock every year. Fremont wasn’t one to boast; but his accomplishments revealed his worth. He retired in 1999 due to his health, while his sons took over management. He finished his career leaving a plethora of beautiful and often uniquely ingenious structures, such as cliff stairs, meandering boardwalks and footbridges, to name a few. Early in his retirement, he volunteered as Clerk of the Works overseeing a major expansion to the Naples Public Library, while continuing his unfailing support for his family and the business he left in their hands.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his oldest child, Tamber (Merriam) Chapman.

He is survived by his loving wife, Norma of Naples, sister, Wilanna Pier of Lakeland, Fl., and children; Thomas (Deborah) Merriam of York, Cynthia (Randal) Burnham of Litchfield, Daniel (Yulia) Merriam of Corte Madera, Calif., Samuel (Dawn) Merriam of Yarmouth, Stephen (Kristia) Merriam of Southport, N.C., Seth Merriam of Bridgton, along with 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

A service honoring Fremont’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Cornerstone Gospel Church, 25 Sebago Road (Route 114) Naples.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cornerstone Gospel Church, 25 Sebago Rd., Naples, ME 04055 or the Naples Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 1757, Naples, ME 04055.

A private family interment will take place at the First Parish Cemetery in York.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco, where condolences and tributes may be shared with Fremont’s family and friends at www.hallfuneralhome.net.