Steven Charles Merchant

Steven Charles Merchant died last Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006 on Mt. Spokane while snowmobiling with close friends. He died of an apparent heart attack. He was 41, husband of Lanith Perrins Merchant for more than 20 years and the father of six children and one granddaughter.

Steve's passion for snowmobiling and music was only exceeded by the love for his family. Ryan and Cassidi Merchant Bushman and daughter Chesney of Quincy; Mandolin Merchant, 16; Brindy, 15; Bailey, 10; Tucker, 8; and Sadie, 6, at home in the Spokane Valley. He was born Feb. 7, 1964 in Boise, Idaho the son of Ronald and Glenda Merchant. He grew up in Deer Park and then graduated from Mead High School in North Spokane in 1982. He and Lanith married Nov. 29, 1985 in the Seattle Washington Temple of the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

They raised their family in the Washington communities of Tekoa, Ephrata and Spokane and currently live in the Spokane Valley. Steve was active in all outdoor sports. He was a talented drummer and songwriter and liked to perform in different bands that he organized. He loved the outdoors, particularly the beautiful mountains of the Pacific Northwest. His focus was on the youth and he was active in leading Scouts on high adventures of 50-mile treks. The last eight years Steve was working in the dehydrated potato industry in agriculture and traveled all over the world in his profession. He is survived by many friends and a very large extended family: his father Ron and his wife Linda Merchant of Gilbert, Ariz.; mother Glenda Merchant of Spokane; a brother Michael of Gilbert, Ariz.; a brother Paul of Spokane; sister Rhonda Moses of Spokane; grandmother Uella Merchant of Gilbert, Ariz.; his 24 brothers- and sisters-in-law; and 42 nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hazen and Jaeger Valley Funeral Home.