Merle Frederick Brindley

Merle is survived by his daughter Connie Pond; son Stephen Brindley and wife Margaret; eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Beulah Louise, and his daughter Judy Griffiths.

Born in Kokomo, Indiana, December 9th, 1914, he grew up in a simpler time with a brother, two sisters, many cousins and lifelong friends. Never lost his mid-west values of family, friends, Faith and duty; he was a true Hoosier.

Being from Indiana he played basketball, but his true calling was golf and love of baseball. Merle started caddying at a young age. Later he not only worked at the American Legion golf course but lived there during the summers. He was a three time city wide caddy tournament champion, played for the Indiana State High School championship and held a course low score that was only beaten in the 1970’s.

A St. Louis Cardinals fan from a young age, but even a bigger fan of the game in general. His many baseball books are full of hand written notes and comments going as far back as the 1920’s. He would say “good pitching always beats good hitting “.

Merle arrived in Portland July 3rd, 1944 with his wife and two young daughters after a weeklong journey by train with many sailors that were on their way to war. From the train depot his brother and sister in law took them to Overlook Park where they had their first Bing cherries and view of the Rose City.

The two families were reunited again and lived in Vanport, OR, while working at the Kaiser shipyards. Merle was an electrician and rode many of the ships he helped build to Astoria before turning them over to the Navy. He soon took a second job delivering mail.

Merle retired from the Post Office in 1981 after 37 years. 1407 was his route number from 1954 until he retired. He delivered so much more though than just mail to so many people. He became the friend of the disabled vets, the immigrant lady too scared to come out of the house; he helped the sick and less fortunate.

A student and believer in the Constitution and all things good. He could recite the Declaration of Independence, every president, vice president and Constitutional Amendments. He enjoyed a good political debate and would often argue for both sides.

Gone, but he leaves a little Hoosier in all of his family.

Silver Bells Dad, Silver Bells – Its Christmas time in the city.