Anthony Ross Merritt, lovingly known as Tony, passed away on April 14 at the age of 68 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Born on March 18, 1958, in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Tony lived a life that was anything but ordinary. With a larger-than-life personality and a quick wit, he had a way of leaving a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to cross his path.
Tony was Debbie McRae’s beloved best friend and former spouse. While life took them in different directions, they never stopped showing up for one another, through thick and thin, a reflection of an enduring love that evolved into a lifelong friendship.
Tony was a proud father to Michael (Seung Hui) and Andrew (Melissa), and a deeply loved papa to Samantha and Henry. He was a dear brother to Debi (Keith) and Becky (Victor) and a fun-loving uncle to Lori (Wayne), Jodi (Craig), Chris (Valerie), Matthew (Jennifer), Justin (Daniela), Elliott (Sean), Colin (Michelle), Josh, and his grandnieces Lara, Lily and Isla.
He is also survived by cousins Trish (Warren), Jane (Klaus) and Zach, as well as his loyal sidekick, his beloved furball Jello.
Tony was predeceased by his parents Jean and Glenn, his brother Chris Sr. (Paula), his sister Sharon, and his cousin Harriet, who all undoubtedly welcomed him with open arms.
Tony was known for his craftsmanship as a carpenter, building and renovating houses in the Valley, his storytelling, and his ability to make just about anything, or any situation, better. Whether he was working with his hands, cheering on the Maple Leafs, or cracking a perfectly timed joke at the legion or beyond, he brought humour and heart into every room he entered. And when Tony was in the room, you felt it, his love and spirited energy for people truly shone.
He had a big heart for those he loved, and he didn’t hold back in showing it. He had a way of making people feel welcomed and part of something, often within minutes of meeting him.
Of course, Tony also had a way with words (flagrant or other!) that no one will forget. Phrases like “You Know Yourself” and “one for the money, two for the show, three to make ready and four to go!, IFNY” were part of his “cleaner” everyday language, and part of the joy he spread so effortlessly.
More than anything, Tony will be remembered for his kindness, and his unwavering loyalty to his family and friends. He had a rare gift for lifting people up and reminding everyone not to take life too seriously.
A celebration of life will be held at the Legion Branch 122 in Clementsport, NS on a later date in the summer of 2026 where stories, laughter, and a few of Tony’s favourite sayings will no doubt be shared. Arrangements entrusted to Personal Care Cremations & Memorial Services.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Kings SPCA – https://www.novascotiaspca.ca/shelters/kings-shelter/, sharing a memory at his celebration of life, or leaving a tribute through the obituary website, because if there’s one thing Tony leaves behind, it’s stories worth telling.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at the QE2 Hospital, as well as to all their friends and distant family near and far for their kindness, and support.
Tony’s legacy lives on in the laughter he sparked, the stories he created, and the love he gave so freely. And as he would say — “You know yourself!”
