Merrill Irvin Obituary

I remember the day when my 7 month old show colt cut the area above his left eye. Gerry couldn't come, Merrill did. He calmed me down and told me Hank's eye was fine and there would be no scar. He sang to both of us as he stitched the skin closed. He was right. No scar to be seen in the show ring either. ~ So many wonderful things said here about Merrill, and every one of them true for me as well.
I never trusted a doctor as much as I trusted him. He was the epitome of a vet as well as a friend. It's been over 3 years, and I still miss him.

Bless you, Merrill. You were such a blessing to us.

Dr. Irvin was the Vet. for my dogs for many years when I lived in Charleston. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I've never seen a Vet that loved animals as much as he did. He would always have a treat and a gentle pat and smile for my meanest little chihuahua. My deepest sympathies to his family and former co workers at West Ashley Vets.

He was an excellent vet. Best in Chas! He eased the suffering of both pets and owners. He has and will be sorely missed.

There is a beautiful angel in heaven. You'll recognize him walking around with his white hair, soft smile, a camera in his hand with a trail of dogs following behind him. It is truly had to put into words what a wonderful man Merrill was and what he meant to me. I was privileged to live on his farm and work at his veterinary clinic. There was never a time that I spent with Merrill that I didn't learn from him. As years went by I was able to see how many lives he touched. So many vet students that rotated though the clinic to do their externships. How fortunate they were to have Merrill as a mentor. He passed wonderful surgical skills to so many. Beyond the vet clinic Merrill was just best friend you could have. He had the patience of a saint as he taught me use power tools, drive a tractor and learn the ins and outs of farm living. His eye for nature was astonishing. Truly an artist with the use of his subject and light. He saw things that no one else could see. He took the time to put a camera in my hand and shared how to see through the lens. Merrill gave me a life that I would never be able to repay him for. He was my friend, my mentor, my family. I will miss you forever my friend and will think of you daily. My heart goes out to his family. I know that they're mourning the loss of this amazing man. RIP Bubba

Merrill was a very dear man and veterinarian. He became my vet in 1974 on John's Island while I watched over the Gelegotis' horses. I then lived at Middleton Place where he was the vet for the horse farm as well as the stables near the main house. He was truly a one of a kind gentle soul. When I returned to Charleston and again took my animals to his clinic I was astonished at his photographs from his travels. Brilliant. My condolences to his family and friends.
Barb Condit

He was my friend and veterinarian for 40 years........Compassionate, caring, always smiling......So sad..........

Dr. Irvin was so caring and kind years ago when my baby got injured. I appreciate so much what he did for us both. He will be missed.

So sad to see this news. Such a compassionate man to our sweet chocolate lab, Buck. What a great loss!

Thoughts and prayers for family and friends both 2 and 4 legged. He was a really nice man.

Dr. Irwin was patient and kind man. He was a friend of my Dad, Dr. James M Hayes, who also passed away on March 12th. I hope you find peace in your memories and know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

It was a pleasure working for Dr. Irvin. He was kind and compassionate; and had a true passion for helping animals. My condolences to his family.

Merrill and I were separated by birth by 8 days. We grew up living one mile apart in the country. We had many adventures together roaming around Pine Cliff Community. He and I would go frog gigging in a little water hole down the road from my house. During the summer, when the pears were ripe, we peeled them for his mama to make pear preserves. We competed to see who could peel each pear without breaking the peeling before we were done. We did not see each other after graduation very often as we were seeking our futures. Yet, when we did see each other, it was as though it had only been the day before since we last talked. He was such a good man. I do not ever remember any unkind words from him. Since his passing I have been flooded with wonderful memories of times we experienced together. I will forever cherish each and every memory. You were special, Merrill.

Merit was a wonderful and compassionate talented individual. He was my husbands vet for 43 years and mine for 29. He and Tommy cared for the hounds of Silvershadow and Elessar and was such a huge part of our success. He will be deeply missed. Our sincere condolences. Bless you all, may Maril Rest In Peace .

It was an honor to work with Dr Irvin
A kind and talented man. Glad to have known you

Merrill was a talented veterinarian, surgeon, photographer, woodworker, and a beautiful person. I consider myself blessed to have known him.

He was an amazing person and a wonderful veterinarian ! He will be missed. Love and prayers to his family

Dr. Irvin will be deeply missed. My prayers go out to his family.

Merrill was my go to vet to refer patients. He and Dr. Hutto are missed.

Merrill was a great mentor and one of my favorite veterinarians. He touched many peoples hearts by saving the lives of their four legged pets. He will be greatly missed.

Regine, my heart aches for you. Our few times spent together were too few. Wishing you peace & serenity.

I was fortunate to have become friends with Merrill shortly after he moved to Charleston in the 70s He saved my golden retriever Tacos life and cared for my brothers and my horses. He was a fantastic and compassionate veterinarian, a true gentleman, and an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to have known him. My condolences to all his family and friends.

Dr. Irwin was such a great veterinarian to my two fur babies for many years. He helped them numerous times. I really enjoyed all the photos in the examination rooms. Such a talented man with a kind heart who loved helping others. He will be missed...

My pain is deep at the loss of such a wonderful, giving, kind man that I cannot find the words. Merrill took care of all my horses and dogs since he first went into practice with Dr. Murrary. He was a kind and gentle vet that loved animals and they all loved him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the staff at West Ashley Vet.

So sad; what a happy face to always see...

Dr. Irvin was our Vet for a long, long time. Compassionate, caring, gentle. Hated when he retired, but understood. Great guy. Sorry to hear of his passing

Merrill was a Charleston institution. He was equally gifted as a vet and a nature photographer and was long a critical part of the Birds of Prey Center. For the 22 years I have owned my current home, two of his photographs - images of a male lions face and a cormorant peering from a raised wing - grace the landings of my staircase. I have never tired of seeing them. Thank you for your contributions to animal life, nature and art!

You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Oh, I am so heartbroken to here of Merrell's passing. Even thought I saw him infrequently just knowing him was a blessing. He spent many hours helping me with a sick horse and providing reassuring comfort. I always enjoyed talking with him of his travels and seeing his photos. I know he will be in heaven taking care of all of our four legged friends who also have passed.

You were one of the best Dr. Irvin. I was just thinking of you on Thursday, when I took my boykin Huck to West Ashley Vet. I always love viewing all of your beautiful photography photos. May you rest in peace Dr Irvin, you were an amazing man!

Can't express how my heart hurts. Great man and friend RIP

When we moved to the Charleston area in the mid 70's and asked around for a recommendation for a vet for our horses and dog, Dr. Irvine's name was not just the first one we heard, but really the only one. We quickly learned why. He was simply the best vet for any animal. His kind, gentle manner was a comfort to animals in distress, and to their humans too. He took care of all our animals for many years. May fond memories and the love of family and friends bring you comfort at this sad time.

This is such a loss (for both animals and people). As a veterinarian myself, I don't know if I have ever met anyone with more genuine concern for animals. He provided many of us with veterinary specialist quality care before we had other specialists in the area! He was truly a mentor for me, helping me often with challenging cases when I just needed a second opinion and a supportive colleague. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. This world will miss you Merrill.

Dr. Irvin was a gifted, talented, and compassionate Vet. He gave wonderful care to our animal family members. Sending prayers to his family.

Merrill was a dear friend and a great mentor. I learned so much from him and we shared a passion for animals, photography and Frederic Remington statues. His kind and gentle spirit will live on in all of the lives he touched. One of my fondest memories will always be when he had a food fight with my year old son. We had all gone out to eat and I was mortified when Bryce started throwing his food. Merrill joined right in and the two of them just laughed and laughed. My heart goes out to his wife and family.

Dr. Irvin was always kind to our dog and to our family. He will be missed!

Thank you for treating my pets as though they were your own.

Im so very sorry to hear of Merrills passing. I am a friend of Regine. My heart breaks for her. She would always speak so wonderfully of Merrill. I loved hearing her stories of their adventures around the World and seeing their amazing photography.

I am saddened to see this. He cared for so many of my animals through the years, both large and small. He was so compassionate and all my animals loved him.

My heart goes out to Regine and Merrills family. Regine is a dear friend and I enjoyed visiting their beautiful home on Johns Island. She and Merrill took the best pictures of my lab Presley. I am just so sad for my friend Regine and hope to see her soon.

Very sorry to hear of Merrill's passing.
He was a gifted vet and wildlife photographer. Always so pleasant when you saw him. He will be missed.

Dr Merrill, I took my sweet poodle to you back in the early 90s to fix a subluxation of her right knee. You warned me about over feeding her and not to let her jump up and down. You were trying to educate me on the reasons why to feed an overweight post op dog dry balanced kibble instead of high fat food. When you said, You will never find a dead, starved dog with a bowl full of dry kibble laying next to it! I laughed too but I knew you were serious.
Gosh! The time has flown❤You, Tiff and all your patients are together again with all Gods glorious creatures. I am hoping your family may find peace in knowing your kindness will never be forgotten

Had the priviledge of assisting Dr. Irvin in surgery a few times. Once on my own pony. He was an artist. A rare talent. Such a loss. Sympathies to the family.

Cared for my animals for many years. A gentleman and a good friend, I for one will miss him

We will miss you Dr Irvin. Thank you for being you.

Heartbroken to hear this news. I will always remember him fondly from the days we worked together at WAVC. Sending my deepest condolences to all.

Heaven has gained an Angel, he was so generous with his time -talents and helped many who were interested in Veterinary careers. I will always consider him one of the best if not the best orthopedic surgeon - many after hours were spent saving our four legged companions, which were referred from near and far for many years before Charleston had specialist. I will always remember his patience and kindness to all whos path he crossed. RIP, our prayers and condolences go out to his wife, Regine, family, friends and former co-workers.

Regine May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

You will dearly be missed. Such a great soul!!

So sad to hear this news. Truly one of the greatest men ever to walk this earth. Condolences to Regine and his entire family.

Dr Irvin will be missed by my family. He was such a kind and caring soul with a heart for animals. I used to love how he would come into the exam room and make you and your pup feel right at ease. Rest In Peace, Dr. Irvin. You were well loved. Sincerely, Patty and Steve Kay

So very sorry for your loss. Dr Irvin was always so kind to me and my animals. He will be deeply missed.

my heart goes out to the family to hear about Dr. Ervin, he was our vet for our horses back in the 70s and continued even after he quit with large animals he took care of all of our fur babies, between him and Dr Hutto they were hard to be replaced and we missed both on them when they both left the west ashley office, he will always be remembered for his soft voice and good nature and the love of animals, thank you Dr Ervin from all of the Martin family that loved you for who you were.

The most amazing man I ever know. RIP Bubba