STANTON, Merrill Vernon, Sr. of Freeport, NS passed away on October 9th, 2012 in Yarmouth Regional Hospital at the age of 80 years. Merrill was born on August 30, 1932, one of nine children of the late Eldon and Evelyn (Bates) Stanton of Central Grove, Long Island, Nova Scotia. Merrill worked for Connor Bros. Fisheries, on various local village LIP grants and later on as a carpenter and cabinetmaker. Merrill had several health related issues and at one time spent 18 months in Roseway Hospital in Shelburne as a result of contracting tuberculosis. Merrill had a special fondness for old cars and trucks and would talk endlessly with his buddies in Yarmouth about a vehicle he had seen or read about in the Valley Trader. Another favourite pastime for Merrill was watching wrestling and game shows, picking berries, especially cranberries in Beautiful Cove. When Merrill could find Pollock, he loved to do Slackfish for himself and to give away to family and friends. He was a loving and caring father, husband and grandfather. Merrill is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 53 years, Judy Ann (Hartlen) Stanton. Their children, Joyce (Alan) Moore, Freeport; Patsy (Larry Westcott), Tiverton; Gary Stanton, Freeport, NS; Sharon (Andy Purdy), Windsor, NS; Merrill Vernon Stanton, Jr.(Ella), Westport; Melinda Penney, Belfast, Maine and Brenda (Stevie Morrell) Digby, NS. Merrill was a loving grandfather to Johnathan Stanton (Jayme), New Jersey, USA; Leah Brown, Windsor, NS; Travis Outhouse, Saskatchewan; Joey Guptill, Greenwood, NS; Sarah Guptill, Baker’s Lake; Kelsey McCullough, Wolfville, NS; Tanya (Matthew Lent),Tiverton, NS; Melissa (Emmerson Crocker), Freeport, NS; Courtney (Jonathan Davis) Digby, NS; Jerren Lewis (Megan), New Minas; Christy Penney (Rikki Brochu), Saco, Maine and seven great grandchildren. Merrill is also survived by his sisters, Joyce, Helena and Leona. He was predeceased by three sisters and three brothers. As per Merrill’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation has taken place. The family would especially like to thank Dr. Webster and Merrill’s nurses on the 3rd floor, ICU Yarmouth Regional Hospital, for their compassionate care. Donations in memory may be made to a Charity of Choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home 398 Main Street, (902) 825-3448. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com