Bill > SCR56

This concurrent resolution honors Robert Winfred Merrick, a prominent Louisiana philanthropist, real estate entrepreneur, and civic leader who passed away on April 28, 2025, at age 80. The resolution highlights Merrick's significant contributions to New Orleans and Louisiana, including his extensive philanthropic work with organizations like the American Red Cross, University of New Orleans, and Habitat for Humanity, for which he was the first person in Louisiana to donate over one million dollars to both the United Way and American Red Cross. The resolution details his professional achievements in real estate, where he purchased and expanded Latter & Blum, Inc./Realtors into one of the largest real estate firms in the Gulf South, as well as his personal qualities like his sense of humor and love of the outdoors. It acknowledges his numerous awards and recognitions, including the National Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year Award, and recognizes his deep commitment to his family, listing his surviving wife, sisters, daughters, stepson, grandchildren, and step-grandchildren. Ultimately, the resolution expresses the Louisiana Legislature's sincere condolences to his family and celebrates Merrick as a true son of New Orleans who left the world a better place.