Clifton R. Merritt

Clifton R. Merritt was born November 29, 1919, in the Prickly Pear Valley (now known as the Helena Valley) of Montana. Merritt was director of field services for the Wilderness Society for 15 years, after which time he continued to advocate for wilderness protection and conservation until his death in 2008.

Early life and education Clifton Merritt was born November 29, 1919, in the Prickly Pear Valley (now known as the Helena Valley) of Montana. He grew up on the cattle ranch his grandfather settled in the 1890s near the Gates of the Wilderness Mountains along the upper Missouri River. In his youth he was plagued by illness including polio and a triple heart valve leakage at age 15. Despite these physical ailments, Merritt was an avid hunter, fisherman, and hiker, often enjoying these activities with his twin brother, Don. In 2008, the Wilderness Society honored Merritt's career of environmental service by awarding him The Robert Marshall Award, which is the highest honor for a private citizen who has made exemplary contributions to conservation and upholding a high standard of land ethic. Merritt died in Bozeman, Montana on August 12, 2008, at the age of 89.