Merlin Howard Jacobson

Former rancher, ski area owner, and Swan Valley resident, Merlin H. Jacobson, passed away June 2, 2009, at Life Care Center of Longmont, Colorado. He was 97 years old.Family members include his daughters, Judy Skeels and her husband, Jerry, of Lyons, Colorado, and Fea Jacobson, of Longmont, Colorado; son, James Jacobson and his wife, Judy, of North Potomac, Maryland; a brother, Loal Jacobson of Jackson, Wyoming; eight grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.Merlin Howard Jacobson was born July 11, 1911, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the second of seven children born to Oliver and Lydia (Daniels) Jacobson. He was raised on his family's homesteaded ranch in Swan Valley, Idaho where he grew to appreciate nature and the mountains, and developed a strong work ethic that would last his entire life.On September 17, 1937, Merlin married Beatrice Hanson in Pocatello, Idaho. The couple continued to make their home in Swan Valley where they owned and operated the Pine Basin Ski Area for 30 years. After selling the property in the early 1970s, they moved to Colorado to be closer to their daughters. Beatrice preceded him in death in 2001.Merlin loved the outdoors, whether skiing, camping, mending fences, or taking care of the ski lodge. He worked hard to provide for his family and cherished time spent with his grandchildren.In addition to his wife and parents, Merlin was preceded in death by three brothers, Cecil, Clon, and Rulon Jacobson; two sisters, Genevieve Clark and Geneva McKay; and a grandson, David Herrick.Funeral services will be held at Howe Mortuary and Cremation Services, Longmont at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2009. Chaplain Mary Dobbs will officiate. Cremation will follow and inurnment will be at Green Mountain Cemetery in Boulder, Colorado.Donations may be made in memory of Mr. Jacobson to your local Alzheimer's Association Chapter.