BRIDPORT — Elwyn J. Myrick, 97, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, Dec. 4, 2022, with family by his side at Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehab Center. Known as Tom to most, he was born to George and Iva Myrick on Aug. 15, 1925, in Bridport, Vt. Tom was the youngest of five siblings. Dorothy, Naomi, Joe and Ione, all of whom predeceased him.

Tom was married 71 years to the love of his life, Joan, who sadly predeceased him last year.

Tom was a fiercely independent, self-taught man who had many jobs over his lifetime, including farming, working the iron mines, road crew, woodworking, Simmons Precision/BF Goodrich, and becoming a custom framer at Lapham Dibble Gallery. Tom was a lover of cats, even teaching them to fetch. He was an avid card and poker player, enjoying rummy and solitaire until his ending days.

He was meticulous with everything and took great pride in his gardens and yard. Tom really enjoyed time with family and friends, especially when it included yummy food and a couple of tasty totties, and was always there to lend a hand when needed.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Deb Myrick-Haverlick and her husband Dick of Middlebury, Vt.; granddaughter, Iva Ford and her husband Matt of New Haven, Vt.; grandson, Isaac Haverlick and his partner Leslie Lemire of New Jersey; and great-granddaughter, Reagan Menard of Middlebury, Vt.

Per Tom’s wishes, there will not be a formal service. A celebration of his and Joan’s lives will be held in the near future. Their ashes will be laid to rest in the Shoreham Cemetery in a private ceremony in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in their names to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital or Homeward Bound.

The family would like to thank all the staff at The Residence at Otter Creek for making Tom feel like he was home again, Porter Hospital, Helen Porter Nursing Home for such personal care, Dr. Diana Barnard and Taylor from the palliative care team, Sara and Laura from Home Health and Hospice, and all the volunteers who helped with his care for the past year — too numerous to mention.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.sandersonfuneralservice.com.◊