Merle Paul Hiddleson

Merle Paul Hiddleson, Age 72, passed away September 5th, after an 11-month, hard fought battle with cancer. Born in Portland, Merle and his family moved to Albany where he attended Sunrise Elementary, Calapooia Junior High and Albany Union High School. Merle graduated from Albany Union in 1969. In 1971 he met Judy Danton, and they were married in 1973. Merle worked at Boise Cascade Plywood Mill and then for Master Tire Service, where he learned the tire business, until 1980. In 1980 he became co-owner of Gary and Merle’s Tire Service where he worked for 18 years. After he sold the business in 1998, he worked for various tire companies until 2008 when he retired.

Merle loved playing golf multiple times each week, but especially with his best buddy, John Duncan. He loved the company and friendship that John and his golf group provided. John and Merle loved to travel together and play golf on different courses. When not golfing, Merle was always working on a project. His yard was immaculate, and he took pride in making it look that way. Prior to his cancer diagnosis, he had spent the previous two years meticulously transforming his daughter’s yard into a showpiece. Within the family he was known as the “Mayor of Main and Bain”.

Merle loved his grandchildren and was always there to listen to them and give a bit of advice. Merle was well known to many from the days when he owned his business, his golf friends, his 44 years of membership with The Fraternal Order of Eagles and volunteering with the Albany Boys and Girls Club.

Merle and Judy, who celebrated 50 years of marriage in February-2023, created a family home in Albany which became the natural gathering place for get-togethers and special occasions. This was in no small part thanks to Merle’s yard, Judy’s Garden, his love of grilling, telling a story and being his generous self. 

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Lorraine, his sister Etta Powell and brother Rick. Merle is survived by his wife, Judy Hiddleson, son Aaron and wife Kristen Reimer, daughter Andrea and husband Greg Victor, all of Albany. His 6 grandchildren Samuel, Avrey and Gregory Hiddleson and Joseph, Edwin and Grace Victor. 3 brothers; Gregg of San Diego, Ole and Doug of Albany and sister Adah Buike of Concord Ca. and his brother from another mother, Joseph “Bud” Danton. Merle was uncle to many whom he treasured greatly. He will be missed.

Donations in Merle’s honor can be made to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice of Albany https://www.samhealth.org/giving

A memorial service for Merle will be held October 14th, 2:00 PM at the Albany Eagles.

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