MERRIAM WILLIAM DUDLEY MERRIAM William Dudley Merriam of N. Potomac, MD passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 after a six-year battle with cancer. A father of six, dedicated husband and mentor to countless friends and associates, Bill's legacy will live on through his spirit. Bill had a knack for building relationships, with a deep desire to know and appreciate everyone's unique story. His smile would brighten a room and his unguarded approach to relating to everyone he came across put people at ease in just about any situation. He had a passion for leading his family and for helping develop the character of the many lives he was a part of. Bill was an avid marathon runner in his 60s, even running marathons in between bouts with cancer. Through this he took on the nickname "GeezerJock", which he in typical form used as a platform to reach out and relate to fellow runners while he was running, listening to their stories and sharing his story of hope. He was an adventurer at heart, a storyteller behind the lens in his film and video directing days and with a pen and paper in his consulting days. He traveled the world with camera in hand and continued this legacy documenting his family as they grew in number and in stature. William was born in Dickinson, Texas to Polly Dudley Merriam and Bernard Francis Merriam II. He is survived by his wife Gail Merriam, sister Judy Clapp, brother Robert Merriam, his six children, Joshua (Heather) Merriam, Luke (Tracy) Merriam, Andrew (Natasha) Merriam, Kristin Merriam Chadwick (Josh), Noah Merriam and Eliza Merriam; and 14 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 27 at 11 a.m. at Temple Beth Ami. Interment will be immediately following at the Garden of Remembrance in Clarksburg, MD. Family will be observing Shiva on Saturday, March 28 at 7p.m. at their residence. In lieue of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions can be sent to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation or to JSSA Hospice Care.In lieue of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions can be sent to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation or to JSSA Hospice Care.