ALCOAST 481/23 - DEC 2023 DEATH OF A RETIRED FLAG OFFICER AND HALF-MASTING OF NATIONAL ENSIGN

R 051407Z DEC 23 MID120000694744U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 481/23
SSIC 5060
SUBJ: DEATH OF A RETIRED FLAG OFFICER AND HALF-MASTING OF
NATIONAL ENSIGN
A. United States Coast Guard Regulations 1992, COMDTINST M5000.3B
1. It is with great sadness that I announce the death of Rear
Admiral G. Robert "Bob" Merrilees, USCGR (retired), who passed away
November 18, 2023, in Florida, at the age of 85.
2. RADM Merrilees was born July 25, 1938, to George and
Ann Merrilees, and enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserve in 1961.
RADM Merrilees received a Direct Commission in 1964 and retired
as a Senior Reserve Officer thirty years later in 1994.
3. RADM Merrilees had a dual career with NASA and the U.S.
Coast Guard Reserve. He retired from NASA in 1998 after a
thirty-eight-year career.
4. RADM Merrilees rose through the ranks from Radioman Third Class
to Flag Officer serving in both the Pacific Area and the Atlantic
Area from 1990 to 1994. RADM Merrilees commanded several major
organizations and served as the Coast Guard member of the Reserve
Forces Policy Board offering independent advice to the Secretary
of Defense and Congress.
5. RADM Merrilees has been awarded the Coast Guard Distinguished
Public Service Medal, two Legions of Merit for exemplary service,
the Meritorious Service Medal, two Coast Guard Commendation Medals,
and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, among others.
6. RADM Merrilees was elected as the National President of the
Reserve Officers Association in 2003 and served on numerous boards
of directors as a prominent member of his community.
7. RADM Merrilees is survived by his wife Beverly, his
brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jerry and Mary Dean, nephews
Ryan Dean (wife Jessica); and Bruce Donald (wife Rhonda), and many
other friends and shipmates.
8. By order of the Commandant and IAW REF (A), the National Ensign
shall be flown at half mast from sunrise until sunset on
December 6, 2023, in honor of Rear Admiral G. Robert "Bob"
Merrilees, USCGR (retired).
9. The National Ensign shall be flown at half mast on all
Coast Guard buildings, grounds, and vessels not underway.
10. A remembrance will be held at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home on
December 6, 2023. The visitation will begin at 9:30am followed by
the Celebration of Life for RADM Merrilees, which will begin at
10:30am. Following the service, interment will be at Cape Canaveral
National Cemetery; 5525 US Hwy 1, N Mims, Florida 32754.
11. RADM M. W. Raymond, Assistant Commandant for Military Personnel
(CG-1M), sends.
12. Internet release is authorized.