Merwin "Mer" Hoyt

A livestream of the Vigil service can be viewed directly below, A livestream of the service will available for viewing at Church of Corpus Christi's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CorpusBismarck/

Our beloved Merwin “Mer” lived life full sail, racing British Green, and full speed ahead down the hill.  He filled every day to the brim; sailing in big winds, downhill skiing, hang gliding off the cliffs in San Diego at 79 years young.

Accompanied by his lifelong partner in adventure, Yvonne, Mer was an enthusiastic traveler.  They honeymooned in Europe and throughout their 48-year marriage they returned to Paris on the island of L’lle St. Louis where they lived a pretend Parisian life. 

Everyday life was an adventure for Mer. An ordinary trip to the hardware store could result in extraordinary chance encounters.  Mer lived his life undaunted, not discouraged by difficulty.

Mer was born Oct. 28, 1939 in St. Paul and grew up in Golden Valley, Minnesota. In 1972 he married Yvonne Simon.  They lived in Minneapolis until they moved to Kingston, Wash., in 1989 before moving to Bismarck six years ago. 

Mer leaves behind to keep his memory alive, Yvonne, the love of his life; his favorite and only brother, Steve Hoyt, and his partner, Jim Litschi, California; in-laws Bonnie and Joe Newman, Terri and Alan Reavley and Elaine and the late Laurie DeBilzan; numerous nieces and nephews, especially, Joseph, Micheal, Tracey, John, Pam, Kerry, Tim,  Peter, Anne Marie, Sarah, Andrew, and Rebecca;  and many very dear friends.

Jim Litschi remembers a story when he and Mer walked down the streets in Kingston.  Mer stopped and talked with every person they passed.  Jim said to Mer, “Do you know all those people?” Mer just responded, “No.” Quintessential Mer, everyone he sees is a friend.

Mer had a long relationship with ‘Bill W.’ and wished everyone could experience the love and acceptance of the program.