Obituary

Merlin N. Solvang, age 84, passed away at home on December 24, 2017 in Ferndale, WA. Merlin was born in Bellingham, WA on June 10, 1933 to parents Borghild Haug and Torkil Bertheus Solvang. He attended Bellingham High School and later married the love of his life, Phyllis Wynne, on October 22, 1955. Merlin served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany. After the service he worked in banking until joining the Whatcom County Sheriff Department where he served as Chief Civil Deputy until his retirement.

Merlin was a caring husband, a loving father, and all around a good man. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He loved to go golfing and boating when he had the time. His parents were Norwegian immigrants, and from them he inherited a love for their country, travelling to Norway whenever possible.

Merlin is predeceased by his parents and his brother Bruce. He is survived by his beloved wife Phyllis Solvang and his daughter Pam Solvang. Merlin will always be remembered for his honesty, his goodwill, and his fun-loving personality. His love for his family knew no bounds, and he will be dearly missed.

A celebration of Merlin’s life will be held on Friday Jan. 5, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen Community Church (6899 N. Enterprise Rd. Ferndale). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Evergreen Community Church or to the Ferndale Food Bank (PO Box 1593 Ferndale, WA 98248).