Ted Payson Merchant of Bangor passed away May 6th 2026th at St. Joesphs hospital. Ted was born April 9th, 1958, to Ellery “Bud” and Joyce Merchant of Beals Island. Ted is survived by Aura and Billy Merchant who was guardian of him. His loving mother, Joyce and four siblings. Ed Merchant Sr of Addison, Wilton Merchant Sr and Stacy of Jonesport, Waylon Merchant and Melissa of Harrington and Wilma Beal and James of Jonesport.

Ted is predeceased by his father Ellery Merchant Jr, brothers Ned Merchant Sr, Milton Merchant, Carol Merchant, Colson Merchant, and William Merchant. His grandparents Alston and Leonice Alley and Uncle Milton Alley.

Growing up Ted lived with his grandmother Leonice on Beals Island until she was unable to continue caring for Ted, he however had many great memories growing up on Beals. One memory him and his nephew Billy shared was when Billy and his brother Ed Jr would go trick or treating they would go to their great grandmother’s house and Uncle Ted would be passing out the candy. He enjoyed this so much he even was passing out candy this past Halloween at his home in Bangor.

Ted was the oldest of 10 children and he often would agree with being the best-behaved sibling. Along with a big family he had an extended family of caregivers over the years and along the way he met his housemate of 40 years, Linda of Bangor. The two of them did almost everything together and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Ted might have been in a wheelchair these last few years but that didn’t stop him from doing things he enjoyed, going placed with his care givers, and showing people that life is what you make it. He made friends everywhere he went and knew how to make people laugh. Ted went to PVI/RLE day program for many years and enjoyed doing all the activities such as playing instruments, listening to music, skits, going out in the town for bowling, coffee, and sight seeing which one place Ted wanted to go was Bar Harbor. He has had caregivers that have been with him for 30 plus years and even recent ones who had nothing but amazing stories and positive things to say.

The family wants to thank St. Joesph’s hospital for taking care of Ted during his final days.

A huge thank you to Mary, Sue and all the workers at MERT that have had a part of taking care of Ted. Thank you for being his second family and showing Ted so much compassion and care over the years.

A funeral will be Friday May 22nd at 1pm at Community Of Christ Church in Jonesport.  Memories and condolences may be shared with his family on his tribute wall.