Gilford----Merrick W. LaBrique, 82, of Gilford, New Hampshire and Zephyrhills, Florida, and a lifelong resident of Ashland, New Hampshire, passed away Thursday, March 15, 2007, under the care of Hernando Pasco Hospice in Dade City, Florida.

He was born in Plymouth, New Hampshire, to Ira and Mary Dix LaBrique on November 17, 1924. He proudly served his country in the US Navy during WWII in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theatres. He was a Plank Member of the USS Vincennes Cruiser CI 64. Merrick was a life member of the Laconia Lodge of Elks #876; a life member of the VFW in Zephyrhills, Florida; the American Legion Post #15 in Ashland, and the USS Vincennes CI 64 Association.

During his work years he was employed as a dryerman at the L.W. Packard Woolen Mills; a machinist at Scott & Williams Inc. in Lakeport, and as a foreman at the Astro-Division of NH Ball Bearing in Laconia until his retirement in 1986.

Merrick owned and operated the Dipsy Doodle Drive-In on River Street in Ashland for 12 years. He was the manager of Minor’s RV Park in Zephyrhills for 15 years (1988-2003).

Merrick is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beverly Young LaBrique; a son Stephen Merrick LaBrique of N. Andover, MA, and a daughter, Debra Roy of Ashland. He had seven grandchildren: Lauren and Matt LaBrique, Alexandra Baert Warren, Graeme, Eric, Kyle and Stephen Baert; three great-grandchildren: Skylar and Chloe Warren, Ashton Baert; nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH at 11 a.m. Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #15 of Ashland and a US Navy contingent.

A bereavement luncheon will be held at the American Legion Post #15 in Ashland, NH following the service.  All are invited to attend.

Donations may be made to the American Legion Post #15 Burtis Baker Scholarship Fund, Main Street, Ashland, NH 03217.

 Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is in charge of the arrangements.