Somers Gwynn Merryman, 85, longtime resident of Whidbey Island, died at Careage of Whidbey on March 25, 2006.

Mr. Merryman was born in Fort Morgan, Ala., on Feb. 6, 1921, to Thomas C. Merryman and Elfreda C. (VanKirk) Merryman. Somers’ father was in the Army, and the family moved to various duty stations, including Fort Flagler, Fort Warden and Fort Casey. They also lived in Maryland for a short time. Following high school graduation, Somers enlisted in the Army Air Corps, and served his country during World War II as a pilot instructor. He was Honorably Discharged in 1947 with the rank of Captain.

On April 11, 1943, Somers married Ellen R. VanWieringen in Austin, Texas. The couple lived there and in Hawaii before coming to Seattle. While in Seattle, Somers attended the University of Washington College of Forestry, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management. He ultimately became President and CEO of Burlington Northern Timberlands, Inc., a position which he held until his retirement in 1983. At this time, the couple moved to Whidbey Island, where they settled in Coupeville.

While in Seattle, Somers was a member and elder of the Wedgewood Presbyterian Church, where he also served for a time as church treasurer. On Whidbey Island, he was a member of the Coupeville Lions Club and the Whidbey Presbyterian Church, where he served as church treasurer as well. He was actively involved in the Island Historical Society, and served as the chairman for the building program which brought the museum to its existing location.

Somers is survived by his wife, Ellen, at home in Coupeville; by three sons, Brian Gwynn Merryman of Rainier, Wash., Mark A. Merryman of Port Townsend and Reid C. Merryman of Coupeville; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a sister, Elfreda C. Shovald in 2003 and by a brother, Thomas C. Merryman, a pilot lost during World War II.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 1, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Burley Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will be Saturday, April 1, at 1 p.m. at Maple Leaf Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at Whidbey Presbyterian Church at 1:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Whidbey Presbyterian Church, 1148 S.E. 8th Ave., Oak Harbor, WA 98277, or to a favorite charity. Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.