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Merrill Kalin Obituary

Kalin, Merrill Howard age 45, passed away suddenly on June 20, 2008, beloved son of Cerna and the late Sam, dear brother of Mitchell and Neil (Goar), loving uncle of Mikael and Michelle. Merrill will be missed by his many cousins who lovingly called him, "Uncle Merrill" and his Aunt Carole and Uncle Norman Small, Aunt Sadie and Uncle Irving Kaplan and Aunt Sandi and Jack Ikenn. Merrill was a member of the New Trier Graduates Special Olympics program. Memorial service 10 a.m., Thursday, June 26th, at Congregation B'nai Torah, 2789 Oak St., Highland Park, IL. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Merrill Howard Kalin B'nai Torah Memorial Fund, Highland Park, IL, 60035 or to the New Trier Graduates Special Olympics Program c/o Lew Goldstein, 120 Lakeside Place, Highland Park, IL, 60035. Info: 847-433-7100

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Jun. 25 to Jun. 26, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Merrill Kalin

Sponsored by Merrill's family.

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fathercorp

May 26, 2025

your show was so good and so yummy. RIP Chef, will never be forgotten

Heather

March 30, 2025

My heart is broken into da pieces

Todd Wittemann

December 27, 2024

I´m sad to see he has passed.
Peace and love.

Merrill

Balrog Peterson

April 23, 2024

He was so good and tasty. Forever live on in our hearts

Joe

October 6, 2023

His enthusiasm is infectious and lives on. Thank you for being you, Merrill.

Connor Fales

August 9, 2023

You have inspired so many including myself. Thank you from the bottom of my heart

Tim Anderson

April 27, 2023

God Bless you Merrill. I loved your cooking show. I´ll bet you were so much fun to share a kitchen with.

Joshua

April 2, 2023

May your courage to pursue passion no matter the obstacle inspire others to rise to the beautiful challenges of life. Rest in peace.

Eric

March 9, 2023

Much love from Canada, may you Rest In Peace. I´m glad you were able to share your love for cooking with the world, salud

Ben T

September 19, 2022

Merrill was a great chief, he seemed kind and loving helping people cook food that was "so good and tasty". He will forever be missed

Jon Graham

August 3, 2022

My adolescents... man, you were a hero for your time. You will never be forgotten, thank you for having the courage you had.

William Alexander

May 13, 2022

Rest in power.

Skye

November 5, 2021

Your memory still lives on, I cant help but say "mmm so good and tasty" anytime I'm sharing a delicious meal with my dear friends. It's almost a tradition anytime we eat something so delicious! Thank you for being an icon! Rest In Peace King <3

Brian

March 30, 2021

Merrill, you brought so much joy to me watching your videos. Your big bright personality and light hearted nature made the world a brighter place, and and that still shines on today. I was so saddened to hear that you left us in 2008. I was greatly hoping you were still out there making things so good and tasty. Honestly you've brought so much laughter and so many smiles to me when I feel down. If only I could repay you. RIP my friend.

darrell

January 19, 2021

What's not to love about your cooking, friend? Hope you're throwing a little something together for Jesus. God bless.

Hayden Boston

December 22, 2020

Rest in peace you have brought so much joy to me and my cousin may you rest in peace - Buddha Bless you.

David

October 2, 2020

Thank you for your beautiful influence! You're giving the world so much light right now and your beauty lives on!

David Garcia

September 13, 2020

You gave the world so much more light than you will ever know. Rest in peace brother. I hope you're cooking up something good and tasty.

Vanessa W

September 8, 2020

My sister in law and I found your video today and wanted to learn more about you. Your viral meme has given us a lot of laughter during some dark times. We sincerely hope you are cooking some good and tasty dishes up in heaven.
Much love,
Vanessa and Jessica

Ryan

August 18, 2020

RIP Merrill. You're a legend and will never be forgotten.

Jim

June 29, 2020

Was excited to find two new Merrill videos on YouTube ("Wishes & Ideas" 1 & 2). Merrill as always is an absolute legend, looking sharp in his snazzy sweater. God bless!

elam mohemed

June 27, 2020

May God bless you

Hsa gutra

April 3, 2020

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

March 7, 2020

Pure, joyous soul, still spreading love and light!

Jer

February 15, 2020

Merrill I just introduced you to another instant fan today and she was sad to learn you've been gone already twelve years. Your video was early internet legend and I will make damn sure it's never forgotten. MMM-MMMM SO GOOD!

February 10, 2020

Everytime I'm making salad at work, I always say to myself, "take the bad pieces out" while handling the lettuce. RIP.

Cam W

January 19, 2020

You sir are a meme legend, one of the greats. you created many smiles and laughter with your cooking show, so sad to find out the legend has passed away :( hope you are making some MMHMMM good and tasty meals up above.

R R

August 13, 2019

Rip MHK. Cookig forever...

Muhammed Svensson

August 9, 2019

So good and tasty.

Gareth R.

July 3, 2019

I still often watch Merrill's public access show when I need to bring some joy into my life.

You are missed, buddy!

from his show "Merrill Howard Kalin show"

Anonymous

April 27, 2019

in all sincerity, Merrill has hopefully raised the spirits of the special and shown the doubtful, that even with a disability, one can make a living doing the thing they enjoy and brighten the days of many around them. Merrill will always be a shining example of strong wills and greater personality. Rest easy, Merrill.

His dishes were so good.

April 7, 2019

Merrill, you are one of the happiest, funniest, most enjoyable souls to ever walk the earth and I'm going to try to live more like you did, thank you so much for teaching us so much about life.

March 16, 2019

Rest in Heaven......❤

November 13, 2018

Thanks for being yourself, Merrill. Even a decade after you passed, you are still bringing joy and delight to others. We should all be so lucky.

Sean garcia

October 19, 2018

I just Saw that Merril passed away in 2008. Makes me sad. I enjoyed His cooking show. Rest easy buddy

Peter Limon

July 15, 2018

He seemed so happy during his show.... I hoped he enjoyed it as much as I did. Have a good rest, you brought a lot of joy

Ryan Traynor

July 11, 2018

I just watched his public access tv show, and there was a comment that he had died. I see that it's been a full decade since his passing. My condolences, regardless. His show was loads of fun to watch and he seemed like a great sport. Merrill has entertained many, many people over the years and he is missed.

July 2, 2018

yolo

March 25, 2018

Peace bro

February 11, 2018

wow chef loved it made me lough RIP is been almost ten years ...

December 26, 2017

God bless his soul. He demonstrated self acceptance and a sense of humor which was joyful. He displayed composure that exceeded his show guests. Indeed there was something special about Merrill. It is quite apparent that he was loved and guided by a loving family.

December 9, 2017

Absolutely sincerely thank you for creating an unusual piece of joy. R.I.P. buddy

November 24, 2017

RIP big guy

Ian O'Reilly

November 1, 2017

"Be the media", good for you Merrill an inspiration to us all.

Josh Schwartz

October 21, 2017

Miss you Merrill

Eric Centeno

October 19, 2017

Merrill Howard Kalin is the inspiration for achieving my dreams! The purity and gleeful straightforward approach that he so deftly embodies was evident in every episode. This was a refreshing departure from the self-absorbed and pandering culinary personalities that dominated the television during the early 1990's.
There will never be another MHK because our modern society has become too jaded and cynical to see the culinary world through the eyes of this gentle giant. To the untrained eye, it appears that he struggles with knife skills, bad impressions, and cross-contamination, in reality it was satire; A brilliant counter-point on chefs that take themselves and their skills far too seriously.
It is only through his legacy that we can step back, take a look within ourselves, and learn to just enjoy cooking... No matter how you go about doing so!
May you eternally rest in peace my great friend and continue to inspire another generation with your unique approach to the culinary arts.

Eric A. Centeno.
10/19/2017

Jack Burke

October 1, 2017

Loved this guy

July 28, 2017

You brought a lot of happiness and laughs to the world, Merrill. Rock on my dude. ♡

May 28, 2017

Mr. Kalin taught me the important lesson of life: do what you love, regardless of all other factors. Learning of his passing was a sobering moment for me, and not a day will go by that I won't think of his generous spirit, and the lessons he passed onto the world as his alter ego: The Great Gourmet. Cheers, Merrill.

Bob Minswell

March 26, 2017

What a nice person, May he rests in peace, May he enjoy life in heaven, R.I.P

Chris Unruh

August 4, 2015

News of your passing has been difficult to digest, your antics in the kitchen always brought joy. Rest in peace chef.

Josh schwartz

August 2, 2015

I think of Merrill every day I.miss him so much even after 7 years

Nick S

July 31, 2015

You brought great joy to my life and will always be a part of many wonderful memories shared by my friends and I. Thank you!

RIP MHK

Steven Vose

June 21, 2015

I will forever miss you Merrill, you really brought happiness to my life.

January 16, 2015

A LEGEND GONE TO SOON

Doug Baldino

January 5, 2015

RIP Sweet Prince

September 29, 2014

Just found out and I am so sorry he is gone but so happy to have met him. Such a sweet, gentle and joyful soul. Bless you Merrill.

Sebastian Cabot Lodge

June 28, 2014

Forever in our hearts. He shared his gifts and made people happy.

Tom Simpson

April 14, 2014

This is so sad, a true internet legend gone far too soon

You may be gone but you will continue making people smile forever

Kit Champlin

April 4, 2014

God bless you, Merrill!

S. Sloppy

April 3, 2014

Your were a charming and entertaining individual. Thanks for the cooking tips. Rest in peace,good man.

December 20, 2013

i will make MHK style jello always on june the 20th of every year from now on.

Socks

November 16, 2013

I love you, Merrill ;_;

November 14, 2013

We all think your so funny

November 4, 2013

Merrill will continue to be one of the greatest online personalities, forever immortalised.

Kyle Howard

July 17, 2013

Merrill had character that I think people were ultimately jealous of. Its great to see this tribute to him, wish there was something more!

Andrew Graham

April 4, 2013

Rest in peace brother.

Rick Anderson

January 25, 2013

Merrill's legend lives on.

No one's ever going to top his passion for salad dressing.

January 17, 2013

Wow, I just learned today of Merrill's passing. He made so many people laugh with his spirit and personality. I will never forget his impressions and jokes that had me rolling on the floor laughing, having a good time. RIP, brotha. We all know you're baking the biggest cake in the sky with Julia Child right now.

David

December 3, 2012

Thank you so much Merrill for being talented, creative, and FUNNY! My sister and I have watched your video countless times and your impressions always crack us up! I am sorry I was never able to meet you, but you sounded like an amazing guy.
Thank you thank you thank you. Your memory lives on.

George S

November 6, 2012

Much loved, never forgotten.. Thank you

Joaquin

March 20, 2012

I saw Merrill's public access show about three years ago, and found it funny in an uplifting kind of way. I hope that many people can draw from Merrill's example; it's not easy for people who feel slow to put themselves out for the public to see. I hope that people can look past the superficially pleasing nature of the show and see the courage that Merrill must have had to go on television and share a skill he was proud of. I can only hope that anyone who sees it in the future takes a positive view of it, and I especially hope that it serves to boost the self-esteem and confidence of people with developmental challenges, and inspires them to develop skills and share them proudly with friends, family and the world. Rest in peace, Merrill, your moxy is matched only by your sense of humor.

January 18, 2012

I was saddened to hear about his passing; I had stumbled across his cooking program a while back and found it both enlightening as well as entertaining. My condolences to his family. R.I.P

-White

kris mprgan

August 26, 2011

thank you what a darling boy I discovered him on a youtube video that was titled odd public access shows. Sorry to hear of your loss...what a wonderful son

Brennon Hazen

May 30, 2011

i watched his video last night for the first time... i loved it. it was funny, and enjoyable to watch. i live in illinois and wanted to write to him, but then i wanted to see the full episode and came across a "RIP Merril Howard Kalin". i couldn't believe it, but i watched it. i found this on the video and wanted to read some of the memoirs. i see people all over the country showing support. i am extremely sorry for the loss and wish he didn't have to pass but he is in a better place now. probably a place with good food that "makes his mouth so yummy!" that's my favorite quote by him.

RIP Merrill, i hoped you lived a happy life.
\
~Brennon

Patrick

April 10, 2011

Our hearts and our prayers are still with you Merrill.

Andy

July 19, 2010

Wow I'm really saddened to hear of Merrill's passing. I of course saw his video and was touched by him. Just seemed to so fully enjoy life. I was envious really. Even it's been 2 years since his passing my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Thanks for making me smile Merrill.

Jon F

July 2, 2010

I am very sad to hear about Merrill's passing. Like most everybody else who knew him, I was introduced to Merrill through his videos online. I have to admit that I was blown away not only by his enthusiasm for the show but also by the way that his spirit that reached beyond his handicap and sincerely entertained the audience.

I hope that he is laughing in heaven with the God who gave him his wonderful personality. Rest in peace.

Mark Mushakian

June 10, 2010

I came to know of him in the way that most have - through his cooking show being placed online. My favorite comments on the video were from people who knew Merrill, who described him as a wonderful and happy-to-entertain fella.. because that is EXACTLY how he came across to me. I wasn't lucky enough to know him, as it sounds like he was quite a guy, but that little glimpse from a show recorded long ago always brought a genuine smile to my face.

It's been some time, now, but since I just found out about his passing, I wanted to write and tell that, sincerely, I am sorry to hear.

Matt O'Connell

March 13, 2010

I've loved Merrill since I was a young boy and I watched his show when it originally aired. Little City is an amazing place and I am thankful for having Merrill as well as the many other talented individuals who lived their dreams there.

marykate d

March 11, 2010

so sad. he was so much fun to watch on his cooking show! what a great sense of humour, and such unbridled 'zest' for life, fun, and cooking!

Scott

February 6, 2010

Because of Merrill, I always remove the Ucky Parts of my lettuce.

RIP, MHK.

Julian Shirley

February 3, 2010

RIP MERRILL.
NEVER FORGOTTEN.

Geoffrey Smith

January 26, 2010

Merrill, you always brought a smile to my face. The youthful innocence your cooking show exhibited was always welcome when you came on TV. You will be thoroughly missed :(

Paul James

January 22, 2010

Merrill, we never met but I always loved your cooking video. Because of you I donated my money to Little City Foundation the past 5 years to help others like you. I hope you are in a better place now and peacefully happy. Paul James

David Rozgonyi

January 12, 2010

Merrill, you strike me as a person who truly loved life, and lived it to the fullest. We should all be so lucky. Thanks for being yourself.

Alan Martinez

December 23, 2009

Howard I enjoyed your show and more than that your beautiful personality.Rest in peace my man!

sean combs

November 1, 2009

Merrill Howard Kalin, liver, lover, chopper of Cucumbels

eskimo dave

October 5, 2009

I miss your awesome chicken recipe, love you and miss you man

Blake B

September 27, 2009

I miss your antics Merrill. You are the greatest

Tony K

September 12, 2009

RIP and God Bless to the greatest chef we have ever seen, Merrill Howard Kalin.

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