In loving memory of
Anthony "Tony" Ross Merritt
The family have chosen this music to commemorate their loved one.
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 Royal Canadian Legion Branch 122 in Clementsport, NS, on Saturday, August 8th, 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!”
PRINTABLE VERSION
SERVICES & GATHERINGS
Celebration Of Life
August 8, 2026 12:00 am
Service Note
A Celebration of Tony’s life will be held on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #122, Clementsport.FAVOURITE CAUSES
PHOTOS
Click any image to start slideshow.
The family have chosen this music to honour their loved one.
Feel free to press Play and listen as you view the photo slideshow.
My condolences to Tony’s family. Oh what memories he has left you. I knew him through the Legion, and besides his famous roast beef suppers and ribs, he always left you smiling (or laughing!). The obituary was so well written and reflected Tony’s personality, bigger than life. Nice pictures. Just a fun guy to be around. Have fun upstairs Tony, you will be missed down here.
Condolences on the passing of Tony. A great person and friend. The world feels a little smaller without his gregarious presence and quick wit that he was always willing to share.
Our hearts are broken and sending the Merritt family our deepest condolences. Tony was the heart of Clementsport to us and left us too soon. Horseshoe Sundays and dinners will never be the same.
I was so deeply saddened to hear about Tony’s passing. I only had the chance to meet him once, but his kindness and big heart left a lasting impression on me. It’s rare to meet someone who radiates such warmth so quickly. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. He will be missed by many people and will always remember him!
I’m deeply sad to hear about Mr. Tony Merritt loss…I always remember his kindness and generosity, especially the help and care he showed me while I was in Nova Scotia (Annapolis Royal)…His support made a meaningful difference during my time there… my heart and thoughts with you and your family…🌹
Great guy gone too soon. Our deepest heartfelt sympathies to Mike, Andrew and all of Tony’s family. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.
Our sincere condolences to Tony’s family and friends. He will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Thinking of you all. ❤️❤️
My sincere condolences to all the family. He was a guy worth knowing. He will be greatly missed.
Thinking of you all during this time of loss. With our deepest sympathies.
Our deepest sympathies to all Tony’s family at this sad time. He was a terrific guy who will be lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to meet him.
He will be missed.
Tom and Darlene Ellis
I am absolutely gutted with this news. To all of you, I am so sorry. He will always be a personality hard to forget, and I will always be grateful for the conversations we had the last week, as well as our time together years ago. Praying for comfort, peace and laughter again for you all <3
Sincere condolences to all.
My sincere condolences to the family. Tony was a great guy. I’ll always remember the kindness, warmth, and light that Tony brought into every room. He had a way of making people feel truly seen and valued, and I feel grateful to have known him. He will be missed by many, but his laughter, kindness, and spirit will live on in the memories of everyone who knew him.
Our sincere & heartfelt condolences to the family. We all grew up together & spent many hours watching our dads build the Clementsport Legion. Tony was larger than life & never missed a chance to ‘catch-up’ whenever we ran into him. That grin will surely be missed.