April 14, 2022
I was a lucky child to be able to grow up on a 68-acre farm in what is now downtown Eagle, Idaho. This experience gave me the gift of many years working side-by-side with my Grandfather, Reid Merrill. Some of my favorite memories include sitting in his office at the egg farm and talking about life. I always learned from his wisdom, example, and strong character traits. He taught and instilled in me the value of hard work, positivity, perseverance, doing the right thing when no one is looking, and above all, kindness to everyone!
For almost three decades, my Grandfather would write a newsletter every other week, print it off, and fold it up. He would then give one to every employee by putting it in their paycheck envelope. The newsletter would be about market conditions related to the egg industry, holidays greetings, new equipment being bought, customer stories, or community service opportunities. The newsletters always ended with a motivational quote or inspirational message of gratitude that my Grandfather had personally chosen based on what was happening in the world at that time.
Our family dinners when I was young were always memorable. Many times there was a person at the table who was a stranger to me. This would usually be someone my Grandfather had invited (or was quietly helping out in some way). I remember his smile and how much he appreciated every single day living in “Beautiful Eagle”.
I am blessed for my Grandfathers’s influence in my life and for instilling in all of his kids and grandkids the entrepreneurial spirit that lives on today. This May, he would be 101 years old.
Enjoy his legacy when you visit Reid Merrill Park in Eagle. Remember the man behind the name and all the people he influenced here in Eagle.
Alei Merrill Family in Eagle Idaho
