Merle Robert Hyatt

Merle Robert Hyatt passed away on May 22, 2022 at 74 years old.  

Merle was born in Seattle, a few minutes after his twin brother Mark, on July 24, 1947 to Raymond and Mary Hyatt. He grew up one of ten children on family farms bucking hay and learning to fix anything with a motor. Merle went to Catholic School, graduated from Rochester High School in ‘65, and studied at Centralia College for a few semesters. As one of his first jobs, Merle ran the Yard Birds sporting-goods department and Yamaha Shop. He also worked as a mechanic in the service departments of various shops and dealerships. He then started his own company, HyCo Construction, to build houses and structures as a general contractor. One of his hobbies was woodworking and he made wonderful things. Merle was also a computer enthusiast and loved to see if he could get even the oldest ones running again.  

Merle was a spiritual man and greatly enjoyed helping out the friends and communities he met along that path. He had great listening ears and a hug from Merle soothed the soul. He loved to bowl with his friends, golf with The Boys, could throw a frisbee like a pro, tell elaborate stories, and build a campfire with serious expertise. He also made a mean potato salad, could bark like a dog, fix a broken thingamajig, and build you a little chest of drawers. Family gatherings were one of his favorite events and impromptu sing-alongs made him smile. He showed up when you called, helped out when he could, and loved you with his whole heart. 

He is survived by his four children, David Hyatt (Noelle), Jennifer Hyatt, Heather Hyatt, Joy Tobin, granddaughters Esme Hyatt and Lydia Tobin, grandson Cooper Tobin, three brothers, five sisters, and too many nieces and nephews to count. He is preceded in death by his parents, a stepfather, two brothers, a niece, and a nephew.

There will be an Open House/Hyatt Family Potluck, Saturday, June 4th between 1:00 and 5:00 at Newaukum Valley Farm in Chehalis.

Merle was deeply loved and moving on without him squeezes the heart. He’ll be terribly missed.

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