The celebration of the life of Merlin “Merf” Osborne took place north of the Breakwater on Monday, April 2, 2018,  41 years to the day after Merf came into the world.

The dolphins congregated, leaping in and out of the waves as if to signal solidarity,  as hundreds of folks gathered on the beach to pay respect to one of Venice’s own, the legendary Merf Dog.

Stories, tears, laughs, and hugs  were shared as the event progressed, and it seemed like all of Venice was there, milling about and talking with each other.  Eventually, folks circled up around Merf’s family as they gave remembrance and led the masses in  ceremony, with the sun breaking through the clouds at the exact moment that the crowd’s voice rose in unison.

Next, the boards hit the water for an epic paddle out that sent Merf off in royal style.

• Article by Alex Stowell, Photography by Edizen Stowell.

Saddened by his passing, we went through the Venice Paparazzi archives and assembled this 2007-2017 gallery to pay honor and respect to Merf.   R.I.P  Merf!

Merlin “Merf” Osborne.  April 2, 1977 – March 16, 2018.

Rest in Pardise

You can shed tears that he is gone.
Or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back.
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him.
Or you can be full of love that you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday.
Or you can be happy for tomorrow.
You can remember him and only that he is gone.
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what he would want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

View Memorial and Paddle Out photos by Venice Paparazzi!

Spanto of bornxraised.com

Josh Bagel Klassman

View all 400 Memorial Paddle Out event pics by Venice Paparazzi!