Merle Richard Usher, 80, of Stroudwater  St., Westbrook, passed away Thursday, January 3, 2013, in a Portland hospital. He was born in South Portland, Oct.21, 1932, the son of the late Raymond Hartford and Edith Acker Usher. He was raised in Standish, attended and graduated from Standish High School. Merle later worked for 47 years at Maine Medical Center, retiring in 1997. He married the former Janice Hodgkins of Westbrook, ME. on August 26, 1961. He was a former trustee of Standish Congregational Church, when he resided in Standish. Merle was noted for his flower and vegetable gardens on Stroudwater St. in Westbrook, where he moved to from Standish in 1983. Merle is survived by his wife of 51 years Janice, 3 children daughter Karen Usher, sons Raymond Usher, Steven and wife Christine Taylor Usher all of Westbrook, sister Elaine and husband Peter Larry of Richmond, VA., nephew Todd of Charleston, SC. Niece Becky Larry Fodness of Virginia Beach and sister in law Pauline Hodgkins of Westbrook. The Usher family would like to thank the staff of Maine Medical Center, especially the R4 nurses and doctors for their wonderful care of Merle. Visiting hours will be held Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Blais & Hay Funeral Home 35 Church St. Westbrook. Funeral Services will be Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the Westbrook Warren Congregational Church. A reception will follow. Interment will be in the spring at Woodlawn Cemetery. To view online condolences go to; blaisandhayfuneralhome.com