In loving Memory of Merle Risner

It is with great sadness that we share the  devastation within our heart of the loss of our Dearest Merle Risner today 8-16-20.  Please take time to read about our Dear Merle and help us take care of Richard his surviving Husband, and the enormous financial burdens that remain. Richard is caring for Merle's Mother who just came to live with them less than a month ago with serious health issues on her own. Merle was Husband, Son, Brother, God Father, and Best Friend to hundreds of us. As word travels through this Tampa Community you here person after person continue to praise the wonderful , loving , and Kind spirit we Call Merle. Least we say he battled Pancreatic Cancer with more fortitude and grace than any of us could imagine. Right by his side for 35 years his husband Richard made absolutely sure Merle was extremely well cared for and so loved. You could not ask for a better pair.
This difficult and lengthy battle that Merle fought was courageous, he was the strongest warrior I have ever known. Merle was by trade a Stylist. Not just any Hair Stylist. He was confidant, listener, best friend, best advisor, best judge, best 
at telling stories, best seasonal decorator at what ever shop he was on location. Loved his God Daughter as his own, and her Mom. Had Mark Kay his best friend, and confidant traveling the days with him all along in the life and times  of his journey. 
For all the good that Merle has done, for the extraordinary life he lived, for every single day he Loved, shared, gave, created,paid it forward, and never once complained we ask of you to donate to the expenses that lie ahead for Richard in these difficult times. 
Merle Risner, Thank you for all the days you turned into holidays, for every problem you assured us would be okay, for holding our hands at the times we grieved, and for showing us how to show up and be present even when it hurt to do so. Thank you most of all for Loving us beyond measure. YOU ARE STILL AMAZING.