Merle was born and raised in Eagle, Idaho but has seen much of the world in his travel for competitive slalom kayaking. He has been with Cascade since his first job mowing the lawn when he was eight years old. Merle has since expanded his repertoire to include mostly safety kayaking and the occasional ropes course trip as well as yard work and maintenance. His favorite tree is the Ponderosa Pine, because, like him, they thrive on the banks of the Payette River. The things Merle hold closest are his family (with whom he definitely never disagrees) and wild white water. If given more time in the short summer days, Merle would practice his guitar skillz. Despite contrary evidence, he thinks he looks good in glasses.