Date Of Birth: November 19, 1925
Date Of Death: July 31, 2011
Richard G. (Dick) Mercier, 85, passed away July 31, 2011. Son of Mary and George Mercier, Dick was a lifelong resident of Indianapolis and 1943 graduate of Shortridge High School. He attended Texas A & M and Purdue and graduated from the US Army Air Corps School of Aerial Navigation. As an officer during WWII, he instructed Air Corps navigation cadets. Dick loved to fly and was an instrument rated commercial pilot. He owned businesses in Indianapolis and Louisville.
An avid hunter and fisherman Dick had many champion hunting dogs including Dandy’s Cassie, the third of all pointing breeds to achieve Senior Hunter and Smoke Master, the first English Setter to achieve Senior Hunter. Many years he spent part of the fall in South Dakota pheasant hunting. He was one of the original incorporators and president of the Indiana Sportsmen’s Roundtable (ISR). He remained its president for 16 years. Through those years he lobbied for the ISR helping to secure numerous pieces of legislation beneficial to Hoosier sportsmen and women. Most notable are the “Landowner Liability Bill� which open thousands of additional acres to sportsmen and the “Senior Citizen Fishing License� which will add millions of federal excise dollars to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) funding. In 1995 Dick accepted the IDNR “Conservation Organization of the Year� for the ISR. In 1998 the Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF) honored him as “Conservationist of the Year� and the IDNR presented him with their “Conservationist of the Year� award in 2002. Dick was well known on capital hill as an advocate for conservation and sportsmen. The Indiana Bowhunter’s Association, in 2004, created the “Dick Mercier Conservationist of the Year� trophy, awarded annually to a deserving individual. One of his most treasured honors was induction into the “Indiana Conservation Hall of Fame� last year as an “Outdoor Advocate and Conservationist.� He was a Sagamore of the Wabash and a Kentucky Colonel.
Dick was an ardent sports fan. He followed the Pacers, Colts, Bears and Reds but above all he loved his Cubbies.
He is survived by his wife Mary Em (Mamie), daughter Mary Jane Van Hoesen, Lummi Island, WA, sons Richard M. (Debby) of New Albany, IN and David G. Mercier, Indianapolis, three grandchildren, a great grandchild and sister Marilyn Wetzler, Boca Raton, FL.
A memorial service will be held Thursday 3:00 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 6050 N. Meridian.
The family thanks the wonderful St. Vincent’s Hospice staff. Memorial donations may be made to:
St. Vincent’s Hospice
8450 N. Payne Road Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46268
www.stvincent.org/Hospice.aspx
317-338-4040
Or
Indiana Wildlife Federation
4715 West 10th Street
Zionsville, IN 46077
www.indianawildlife.org
317-875-9453
“The Lord does not Subtract from Man’s Life Span the Hours Spent Hunting�
Joan S Bey says
Please accept our sympathy on your loss. Mamie, may you and your children find peace remembering all the good times you’ve had in this life. Joan Bey, Annna Marie Witt, Joseph and John Bey
Cindy Crawley says
I am sorry to know of your loss Dave. Your father certainly made an impact in the world of hunting in Indiana. such a wonderful tribute. I can only image some of the times he and his family must have seen throughout the years. I would like to know more about him.
Tina Williams says
Dave and Family, I am happy that I had the pleasure of meeting such a great man. Today and always, may loving memories bring you strength, comfort, and peace. Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Andrea Lambert E TN Kairos Outside says
I only knew Dick through the eyes and hearts of Mamie and MJ. It probably was just a small part of him, but I suspect that he greatly impacted many a family, church, business and, of course, hunting buddies. Your sorrow is great at this time but shall diminish as the memories and stories are shared. On behalf of the East Tennessee Kairos Outside Ministry, I extend heartfelt sympathy and raised hands to our Loving God, thanking Him for comfort and strength. Dick now truly knows KAIROS time.
Bill Wert says
Mamie I wish to extend my heart felt sympathies. I was proud to consider Dick a friend. We shared many wonderful times together. Indiana is just a little bit less since Dick is gone. Sincerely Bill Wert
Indiana Hunter Education Association says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. ~ Board of Directors and members ~ Indiana Hunter Education Association
Indiana Sportsman says
Dick was a very special person. Someone who gave so much of himself so that others may benefit. Someone who had the conviction to stand firm in his beliefs, someone who was able to listen to other opinions and quickly determine what was best for the long term benefit of everyone. Dick was a role model for many, and a mentor for many others, me included. We thank God for our time with Dick here on earth, and acknowledge our gratitude to his family for sharing him with us. Our sincere condolences are offered.
John Maxwell says
I’m glad I got to photograph and work with Dick. I always loved how he would start a conversation all grumpy, but soon switched over to being a good friend.