The following was read by Dr. Merren’s friend W. Norman Bodden at the Service of Thanksgiving for his life July 31 1931 – April 28 2015.

Thomas Henry Edlin Merren was born on July 31st, 1931 in the family home on South Church Street, George Town, Grand Cayman. He was the third child and first son born to Carley Edlin Merren and Verdie Merren nee Coe. Edlin was the second grandson of H.O. Merren, Senior of Merrendale. Edlin grew up playing outdoors with his cousins and friends in the South Church Street area amongst caring neighours like Royal and Ena Watler and their son, Brainard, Ronald and Mattie Watler, the Websters, Cyril and Jane Coe, and Ellery and Velida Merren. As a young boy, he was always anxious to assist his father with chores and was happy helping him with carpentry, as well as in the old Merren shop and warehouse. He dearly loved his father, often describing him as “a good man” and in later years while attending school in Jamaica he wrote, “Daddy, I miss you so much and it is cold here at night”.

His early childhood education began when his grandfather Merren, being concerned for the education of his grandchildren, imported a woman tutor from Jamaica and set up a small school in the basement of the old Latter-Day Saints Church Building on South Church Street (just a few yards north of his present home). Edlin recalled that “Home-made benches and desks on a sand floor were its sole furnishings”. When he was ten years of age, his uncle, Orren Merren, started Triple ‘C’ School in the tiny upstairs section of the old building next to the Court House where he attended school for a year. Restless like a growing boy can be in a small town, the family decided it was time for him to settle down to serious study. So at the end of that year, they sent him, along with his cousin, Burke Hunter, to Munro College, a boarding school for boys in the Santa Cruz mountains, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Edlin recalled afterwards that “Actually there was no place in Cayman at that time that I could have gotten the necessary grounding in math and science subjects that I needed for further study.” He also remembered that that time in his life was no picnic; travelling to and from Jamaica, being dependent on boat transportation, which was often late, meant that he had to catch up with his studies which demanded much hard work. It is important to say that, as a youngster, Edlin, coming from a very religious family, attended Sunday School at the Chapel Church of God and at a service one night in the early 1980s, Suzan remembers that night when he went to the alter there. Edlin recommitted his life to the Lord at Elmslie Church, became an Elder of the Church, Chairman of the Missions Committee, hosted Bible study groups at home together with his wife contributed to missions, travelled with other church and community leaders making twelve mission trips to Haiti, to provide much-needed dental care to patients in that impoverished country, made a mission trip to the Dominica n Republic, a mission trip to Mt. Olivet Boy’s Home in Jamaica, served as Committee Member of Wycliffe Bible Translators, President of the Gideons in Cayman and was never reluctant to testify of the Lord’s goodness to him and encouraged everyone with whom he came in contact to serve the Lord, up until his passing.

On completing his education at Munro College, he decided that he would pursue a career in Dentistry and again his uncle Orren Merren was instrumental in writing to the Dean of Admissions of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia requesting publications for his two nephews, Edlin Merren and Burke Hunter, and they were accepted in 1950. Edlin obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics in June of 1954 from Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. On his return from Atlanta in 1954, he worked for LACSA Airlines for one year as Assistant Station Manager. And of course one of the most important events in his life is that, by this time, he had also fallen in love with Helen Elizabeth Watler, the lovely lady from North Church Street and fourth daughter of Major Roddy Watler and his wife, Blanche Watler nee Bodden. Edlin lost no time in asking for her hand in marriage in 1956 before returning to Emory University Dental School, but promised to return as early as possible for the wedding. Helen remained at home with her parents, taught Kindergarten and First and Second Grades at Triple ‘C’. They exchanged encouraging love letters with each other that also helped Edlin in applying himself to his studies.

In 1956, the wedding date was set for December 1957, and Edlin was determined not to miss that appointment, regardless.

And if you knew Edlin well, you will know that he did not take ‘no’ for an answer. He had travelled from Atlanta to Miami on his way home to Cayman and, after arriving in Miami, only to discover that all flights to Cayman were fully booked for the next week. With very limited airline service, you can well imagine his stressful predicament. But fortunately he eventually found the LACSA captain that he knew from his days with the airline, explained his situation, and the captain agreed to let him ride in the jump seat. So he flew home in the cockpit of that aircraft as a happy passenger.

Edlin and Helen were united in Holy Matrimony on December 20th, 1957 in Elmslie Memorial Church, in a beautiful, impressive ceremony conducted by Reverend George Hicks. The wedding reception was held at Pageant Beach Hotel where the couple honeymooned before setting off to Atlanta, Georgia to continue his studies at Emory University School of Dentistry.

Edlin recalled that “It was back to school with my bride for the final stretch, and life in a campus efficiency apartment. In October of 1958, Suzan, our first child was born at Emory Hospital. Finances were tight and I had to get a loan through the Atlanta Rotary Club which operated a fund for American students. I wasn’t an American but I got the loan because, to quote the president, “You are a British subject and I trust you.”

In June, 1959 Edlin’s big day came when he crossed the finish line and obtained that coveted Degree – Doctor of Dental Surgery. The Bachelor of Science Degree was a pre-med requirement for dental school.   His cousin, Dr. Burke Hunter, graduated from Emory University Medical School as a surgeon and practiced Urology in Miami, Florida.

It was finally back home to Cayman for Edlin, Helen and Suzan and, with his degree in hand, he was anxious to get started in the profession that he had studied so hard to gain. However, before he could commence his work as a Dental Surgeon he had to go to Jamaica to work in the Government Dental Clinics in 1959 in order to sit the Medical Board Examinations there in 1960. Taking his family with him to Jamaica where he remained for four and one-half months gaining extra experience at various clinics, Edlin passed the Medical Board Examination and returned home to establish his practice as a Dental Surgeon for the Cayman Islands Government. Gregory, the only son, was born in June of 1960 in Grand Cayman.

Prior to Edlin’s return to Cayman to work and set up the dental services facility, there had been no dental education in the Islands. People only went to the dentist as a last resort, and usually for extraction. But Dr. Merren had other ideas and planned a campaign of dental education. He recalled “I was determined to change this and raise the standard of dental health and awareness in the islands.” Two days per week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, he and his assistant nurse, Hebe McCartney (formerly Massias) packed up their clinic in his second-hand Austin and took off to one of the district schools. A small oil-stove was taken along with a pan so that instruments could be sterilized. “Teachers were notified in advance and by 8:00 a.m., we were on the road. The day’s work was finished when the last patient had been seen. Students’ teeth were checked and extractions were done only when absolutely necessary. Cleaning and temporary fillings were a regular part of the job as were the lectures on dental hygiene. We found students who had never owned a toothbrush and some who had, but had not learned how to apply it effectively,” he said. Their third child and second daughter, Paula, was born on September 24, 1961.   Edlin’s family was growing.

Quarterly visits to Cayman Brae to set up clinic and serve the people of the Sister Islands were also conducted in similar manner. Dr. Merren faithfully served the Cayman Islands Government for many years as the full-time Dental Officer and got a lot of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment out of that time of service. He had given careful thought to this and decided that the time had come for him to go into private practice because the island needed another dentist to properly serve the growing population. It was not as if he was going away. He would still remain here to serve the general public and Government could then employ another qualified dentist to provide necessary additional coverage. Dr. Merren then proceeded to set up his private practice in the Watler Building which was located by the Fort in George Town.   He had trained Natalie Groves to assist him and Lloyd Bryan was his Technician, later followed by Lance Bramwell on whom he heavily depended and who remained with him until his retirement. He continued to provide the same high quality dental care to his patients for which he had been widely known. Fourth child and third daughter, Lisa, was born on September 8, 1965.   The years were not easy but he continued to work hard. He had a growing family and left no stone unturned in order to operate a successful practice and provide a much-needed service for which he often rendered free of charge for those unable to pay. Dr. Merren continued to work as the part-time Government Dental Officer right through the 1970s.

Their fifth child and youngest daughter, Jennifer, was born on August 4, 1969. Edlin and Helen and their family had a shocking set back on the morning of July 15th, 1970 when Edlin suffered a major heart attack which almost claimed his life at such an early age. Jennifer was just 11 months old when this event took place. Edlin was flown to Jamaica, accompanied by his wife, where he received medical care and, in due time, was able to return home to recuperate. Conditioned to rest, with stringent exercise and a vegetarian diet, Edlin could be found looking out at the sea contemplating his plan to restore his health. It was difficult for someone who had always worked hard, long hours but with the same level of strength and determination that have always served him well. He fully followed directions and committed himself to as speedy a recovery as possible.

The process was slow but in time Edlin was able to return to work for half-days only, and Helen became his Assistant and worked side by side with him untiringly, trying to keep him on track as far as his health was concerned to ensure that he did not over-extend himself. The Merren Dental Center was now located on Hospital Road in a small building that Dr. Merren had acquired, which he appropriately labeled THE Merren Dental Center. In time Dr. Merren, as expected, completely recovered and continued full-time work until his retirement from practice in 2007.

In private life, Edlin and his wife have taken an active role in church and community affairs. At the time of his return from university he was instrumental in setting up the island’s first Athletic Association, which flourished successfully for some years. He served as Chairman of the Board of Triple ‘C’ School and was an active Rotarian. The family worshipped at Elmslie Memorial Church and this, he said “Is an important part of our family life and we never allow anything to encroach on this time.”

In addition to all his many roles he was also mentor to many young Caymanians who have grown up to become successful and contributing members of our community.

In addition to his various accolades of accreditation, Dr. Merren, for his selfless service to the Cayman Islands, was honoured by Her Majesty the Queen in June 1975 with the O.B.E. – Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

In his lifetime, Dr. Merren has made an indelible mark for good on these islands that he loved so much and there can be no doubt that his achievements were impressive. He faithfully served the Cayman Islands with distinction as the first Dental Surgeon, gentleman of the highest order and an outstanding citizen.

In addition to what has been previously mentioned, Edlin also served on numerous Government committees and boards. Of mention are Chairman of the Medical and Dental Society, Chairman of the Immigration Board for six years, Chairman of the Central Planning for four years, Founding Member of the National Trust, Director of Cayman Islands International Trust Company, Director of H. 0. Merren and Company, Honorary Member of the Cayman Islands Seafarers Association, and he was a Fraternity Brother at Delta Tau Delta, Emory University Alumni Association.   Edlin spearheaded the establishment of the Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast in the Cayman Islands through his contacts in Washington, D.C. and worked with the Members of the Legislative Assembly on the annual Prayer Breakfasts. He and Helen travelled to Washington D.C. to participate in the National Prayer Breakfasts for 12 years.

On March 7th of this year, Edlin twisted and fractured his right ankle at home and was taken to the Government Hospital for treatment and later on March 12 was flown to Baptist Hospital in Miami where he received round-the-clock care by his wife, their children and medical staff. Edlin had successful ankle surgery on March 23rd. He was in stable condition and remained quite positive. He remained at Baptist Hospital until April 16th when he was transferred to Health City Cayman Islands for continued pulmonology and cardiac care. Edlin was well enough to be discharged on April 25th and he spent the weekend at his house on South Church Street. He thanked the Lord when he arrived at his home. He was assisted by Helen and his children, a nurse and staff, which made him happy, but on the 27th of April, he developed cardiac and respiratory difficulties and was again taken back to the Government Hospital.   Edlin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 28th.

It can rightly be said that throughout his many weeks of illness, Edlin never complained but constantly prayed to the Lord and bore his health problems with the same level of strength, determination and fortitude that made his noble life well-lived and extremely outstanding.

Dr. Merren’s two sisters, Daireen and Ermyn, his younger brother, Hurley, and grandson, Justin Ebanks, pre-deceased him and today he leaves to mourn his devoted wife Helen, daughters Suzan, Paula, Lisa and Jennifer, son Gregory, sister Zelma Lee Wader nee Merren, seven grandchildren, Joshua, Zachary, Ashleigh, Lauren, Hannah, Jonathan and Emily, daughter-in-law Terri Merren, sons­ in-law Dean Scott and Robert Ebanks, many first cousins, nephews and nieces, a host of friends and other relatives and special mention of close friends Capt. Eldon Kirkconnell and Norman Bodden.

Norman Bodden said, “I am reminded of the words that the Apostle Paul

wrote to Timothy in II Timothy Chapter 4 verses 7 and 8, and firmly believe that it can similarly and rightly be said of Dr. Merren: “He has fought a good fight, he has finished his course, he has kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give him at that day: and not to him only, but unto all them that also love his appearing”.

 

The above was as told in Dr. Merren’s own words and recounted by his wife, Helen, and children

 

Dr Edlin Merren was laid to rest on Saturday May 9^th at Gardens of Reflections Cemetery, Prospect after a service at Elmslie Memorial Church.