Merrill Bitter

Merrill Grant Bitter, beloved son and brother, age 68, passed away on January 20, 2022, at Alta Ski Resort – Grizzly Gulch/Wolverine Bowl area, in a skiing accident.

Merrill was born on January 29, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Grant Bunderson Bitter and Margery Beard Bitter.

“His life was a sermon of positivity and goodness”

Merrill was very humble and kind.  He loved the outdoors – his passions being rock climbing, ice climbing, hiking, and skiing.  He did everything with precision.  Merrill loved his family and friends, and enjoyed being a part of our lives.  He loved sharing his knowledge and talent of climbing with anyone.  He was the best brother and friend.

He left us too soon and will be missed so much.

We love you eternally, Merrill!

A celebration of Merrill’s life will be held at 2895 Creek Road, in the Cultural Hall, Cottonwood Heights, Utah, on his birthday, January 29th, at 11:00 am until 12:00.

There will be another celebration of Merrill’s life in late Spring/early Summer.

We are forever grateful for the all the agencies and people, especially his dear friends, Josh Schmidt, Santi Vega, Megan Budge, and Shingo Ohkawa, that diligently searched for and found Merrill, and brought him back home to us.

Merrill is survived by:  Diane Emmerichs, siblings: Marcia (Jim) King, Celia (Tom) Hansen, Whitney (Julie) Bitter, Kimball (Suzanne) Bitter, Warren (Ann) Bitter, Jennifer Bitter, and Maureen (Steve) Ross, dear nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by: his loving parents, sister, Colleen Bitter Addie, his beloved dog, Muffin, grandparents, Joseph E. and Edna Jensen Beard, Joseph E. and Ruth Melinda Bunderson Bitter, and Hattie Black Bitter.

In lieu of flowers, enjoy a pint of Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream, and, when the weather is good, enjoy an activity in the outdoors in memory of Merrill.