Merton Chase

WINDHAM — Merton Arthur “Mert” Chase, 75, of Windham and formerly of Bridgton, passed away peacefully on the evening of Tuesday, May 26th, 2015, after a battle with cancer.

He was born to the late Ella Bates-Chase and Clarence Chase on Feb. 6, 1940 in Melrose, Mass.

Mert loved to travel, and he lived many different places throughout his life. He spent time in Massachusetts, Vermont, Wyoming, and Maine. He spent the last years of his life in Bridgton, where he would sit on the bench on his front porch and talk to everyone that passed by. He spent the last couple of years living in Windham, so he could be closer to his children, but would always say how much he missed sitting on that bench in Bridgton.

He loved nothing more than being around his friends and family, especially his children and grandchildren. He had a love for art, music, game shows, and a strong love for cooking. Mert spent many years of his life collecting every gadget imaginable for his kitchen.

Mert was goodhearted and hilarious. It was nearly impossible to spend time with him and not laugh. He had a very unique sense of humor that he has passed on to each of his children. He really was one-of-a-kind, and he will be deeply missed by his family.

Mert was predeceased by his brother Russell Chase, and his oldest son Michael A. Chase, who passed away earlier this year on Feb. 3, 2015. Mert is survived by his sisters, Roberta and Caroline; a brother Leonard; his six children, Alia, Heather, Ryan, Ayriel, Athen, and Rayne; his seven grandchildren; and many friends, his dearest being James “Jimmy” Tremble, who he loved like a brother.

A celebration of Merton’s life will be hosted by his children this Saturday, June 20, at his home in Windham. Please contact his children for more details. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Merton’s name to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital.