Gerald Merrithew

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Gerald Stairs "Gerry" Merrithew, PC , CD , BA , B.Ed , LL.D (September 23, 1931 - September 5, 2004), born at Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, was an educator, politician and statesman.

Merrithew graduated from the New Brunswick Teachers' College, then obtained his BA & B.Ed degrees from the University of New Brunswick. With a lifelong interest in the Canadian Forces, he became an Officer Cadet and rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. As a High School Principal, he was active not only in the educational field, but the military, recreational fields, as well as cultural affairs that led to his entering politics. First elected to Saint John City Council in 1971 he went into Provincial politics in 1972, winning a by-election for the Provincial Progressive Conservative Party. Re-elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1974, he would be appointed to the Cabinet as Minister of Commerce & Development. After winning re-election again in 1978 and in 1982, he became Government House Leader and the Minister of Natural Resources.

Gerald Merrithew resigned his provincial seat to run as a Progressive Conservative Party of Canada member in the 1984 Federal election. Elected to the Canadian House of Commons in Ottawa, and with his party winning the election, Merrithew was immediately appointed Minister of State - Forestry & Mines. After winning his seventh consecutive election in 1988, he was appointed Minister of Veterans Affairs.

In 1993 he resigned from Cabinet and did not seek re-election. Active with numerous Military and Veterans Associations, Gerald Stairs Merrithew was a member of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and also held several directorships including the "26Th Battalion Overseas Association Inc." where in 1995 he was instrumental in publishing the history of the Battalion.

Merrithew died of cancer on September 5, 2004.