John Pearson Merrick, KC

John Pearson Merrick, prominent legal counsel of Nova Scotia and long-time Dalhousie University adjunct law professor, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025 in hospital due to complications following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born on November 9, 1943, in La Paz, Bolivia, John was the son of the late Earl and Mabel (Wigg) Merrick. Although born in South America, John spent most of his life in Nova Scotia following the family’s return to Canada. John received his BA from Acadia University (1964), his LLB from Dalhousie University Law School (1967) and a Certificate in Mediation from the Harvard Law School Program of Instruction for Lawyers (1998).

John was admitted to the Nova Scotia BAR in 1967 and spent many years honing his significant legal skills which gained national recognition. He began his law practice in Wolfville, spending the majority of his legal career practicing in Halifax. John provided legal counsel on a wide variety of high-profile matters including as Counsel to the Commissioner of the Public Inquiry into the Westray Mine Disaster and as Consumer Advocate for the power rate hearings. With extensive experience in advocacy of client interests, dispute resolution and civil litigation, John served as counsel to both individual and corporate clients. He acted as mediator and arbitrator in commercial disputes. Because he “wanted to give back” and enjoyed teaching, he taught a variety of courses including Torts and Judicial Remedies for many years at Dalhousie University Schulich School of Law. John was senior partner with the firm Merrick Jamieson Sterns Washington & Mahody, retiring from the firm and teaching in 2017. He was a member of the Canadian Bar, serving as President of the Nova Scotia Branch (1981-1982). As well, John was a member and served as President of the Nova Scotia Barristers Society (1996-1997). He was also a member of the American Arbitration Association, the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Institute of Canada Inc. and the ADR Atlantic Institute. John was active in community organizations; he was Fundraising Chairman for the Public Legal Education Society (1997-2000). He was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2000. Toward the end of his legal career and following retirement, John served as President of the Board of Directors for reachAbility.

A gifted orator and profound thinker with a keen intellect, John’s wisdom and quiet strength were evident to all who knew him. He had a principled approach, exercising fairness and reasonableness in all that he did. John was a leader, a man of integrity, character and hard-earned resilience. He was passionate about the rule of law and worked with judges to improve the legal system in Canada, particularly Nova Scotia. Despite his many accomplishments and significant talent, he was humble and selfless to a fault.

John was an avid skier and hiker who enjoyed traveling with his family, as well as walking the much-loved family dog. Writing was one of his passionate pursuits; he called himself “a rarely published author” and tried to find time to dabble. John was proud of publishing two short stories, keeping the uncashed, albeit modest, cheque as a fun memento. A regular at the Nova Scotia Tattoo, John also delighted in watching the buskers every summer. His retirement gift to himself was a Golf R which he relished tracking at the racecourse. He was passionate about listening to music and had an extensive playlist including two of his favourite artists, Gordon Lightfoot and Leonard Cohen.

John was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved spending time with family. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Lyn (Craig) Merrick, their daughter Annaka of Boston, Massachusetts and his sons Christopher (Kate) of Ottawa, Ontario and Evan (Katie) of Halifax, Christopher and Evan’s mother Mary, as well as grandchildren Liam, Sophie, Beau and Luke who called him both Grandpa John and Papa John. John is also survived by his nephew Robin (Kerry) Hamilton of Hudson, Quebec. He was predeceased by his sister Joyce Hamilton.

John will be deeply missed by his family and live forever in our hearts.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Drs. Alison Dixon, Katalin Koller and Michael Diab, as well as the staff of the Geriatric Ambulatory Care Clinic and Geriatric Assessment Unit for their skilled care and support. The family also thanks John’s caregivers, especially Felicia Funke and Maria Konadu for their dedicated care.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service on Friday, July 18th at 2pm, Bedford United Church, 1200 Bedford Highway, Bedford, reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to Parkinson Canada and the Animal Rescue Coalitions of Nova Scotia.