In Cherished Memory

Vincent Michael Merkt, 57, of Benton City, WA passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with loved ones by his side on July 24^th, 2016.

Vince was born October 14^th, 1958 in Yakima, WA to Ralph Merkt and Marjorie Smith. When he was 15 his family moved to Benton City, WA. He graduated from Kiona-Benton City High School in 1978 where we was known as a loving and fun man and joined the Marines shortly thereafter, where he proudly served his country for 4 years.

To know Vince was to know he was made to be a father. In 1978 his first daughter, Brooke, was born to him and Denise Merkt (Atterberry). A few years later followed their son, Kyle, and then their youngest daughter, Alisha. While life would take Denise and Vince on different paths, they both remained loving parents to their three children and great co-parents to the end. Life brought Vince many grandchildren that he cherished and even more (step) children from marriage who he loved as if they were his own flesh and blood. He was the epitome of family.

Vince adored his wife “Nae Nae” (Renee Merkt). A devout Christian, he took God’s word seriously. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” If you saw Vince with Renee… you knew this was exactly how he loved and cherished his wife, and she in return.

Vince was so full of life. The stories his friends and family tell have never ceased to make laughter bubble up for everyone listening. Whether it was memories of camping, or motorcycle riding, concerts, going to see many Mariners games with his family, BBQs, watching football games (especially the Seahawks), bonfires or yes… even epic burps, they were always legendary.  Memories that stuck with people. The people that came like a small parade through little Benton City, WA to spend Vince’s last days with him. A life made all too short by cancer, but full to the brim with love.

You can’t talk about Vince without talking about the music. He loved the greats. You could hear him blasting Rush, The Cure or Blue Oyster Cult. Whether it was on the speakers he adored (it might have been unhealthy, really) or listening to the bands he loved in concert, music was always surrounding Vince. On a quieter day, you might find him watching improv shows on TV, or cartoons, or something action packed like Star Wars. A kid at heart in many ways, he never stopped smiling. Not even on his last day. He even quoted Transformers a few days before he passed away, saying: “Do not grieve. Soon, I will be one with The Matrix.” You have to love a man like that.

He will be deeply missed. His kind blue eyes, the smile that melted hearts… the laugh… oh, the laugh. An original through and through. Never to be repeated… Vinnie. Vincent-ay. Vincent Michael Merkt. A loving husband, father, son and friend. A man amongst men. 

Vince is survived by his wife of 4 years, Renee Merkt, daughter Brooke La Plante (Merkt), 37, married to Jim La Plante and their children, Brianna (11) and Elizabeth (7), his son Kyle Merkt, 32, married to Justen Merkt (Salinas) and their children Logan (6) and Asher (3), and his daughter Alisha Merkt, 29. He is also survived by his (step) children, Mindy Cushing  and Jeanna Stone, William Marazzo (and his son, Billy), Michael Marazzo, and Chris Whitt and Amber DesMarteau (and their daughter Camdyn (4)). He is also survived by his sisters and brother; Ellen Leingang (Merkt), Julie Downey (Merkt), Holly Davis (Merkt), Chris Merkt, Angeline Cline (Merkt), and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Vince's service will be held on Friday, July 29th at 3 p.m. at Events at Sunset in Richland, with a potluck to follow in Benton City. 

You are loved and missed. You were an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Rest in peace, Vince.