Coronel Merton A Quaife MD, a resident of Goodyear AZ and formally of Omaha NE retired to his ” Great Reward” on September 27, 2022 at the age of 90 years.  Merton graduated from Eustis High School in Central Nebraska and then attended college at Nebraska Wesleyan University graduating with a Bachelors of Arts in 1953. His education continued at  the University of Nebraska Medical Center where he received his Doctor of Medicine in 1957. While at Wesleyan, he met and married his lifetime companion and wife Doris of 62 years .Their relationship raised 4 children.

During the development of the family, Merton briefly practiced in Kearney, Nebraska as a “country doctor”.  He then subsequently enlisted in the United States Air Force where he received his Masters of Radiation Biology and progressed to rank of Captain. His military career included stations in Washington DC, Las Vegas, NV, Sacramento CA, Dayton OH, Rochester NY, Albuquerque, NM and lastly at Offutt Air Force base in Omaha NE. Merton attained the rank of full Coronel of the Medical Core.  He was recalled to active duty during Desert Shield and Storm where he served as Deputy Command Surgeon of the Strategic Air Command.   He retired from that position at SAC in 1992.

Merton’s medical career flourished after initially leaving the service working at the Omaha Veterans Administration Hospital and later moving full time to the University of Nebraska as the Director of Nuclear Medicine. Over 30 years, he mentored and educated many students, residents, fellows and physicians at UNMC. He started the first Nuclear Medicine Technology Program in the region and fostered this program over many years. He was respected by professionals throughout the country and world serving on key committees of the AMA, ACNP, SNMMI and ACCP.

Merton is survived by his children Dr Robert (Deb) Quaife, Barbara Quaife and Ronald Quaife, sister Merna Greer and grandchildren, Andrew and Anna Quaife. He was preceded in death by his wife Doris and son Richard.

Merton always had a special place in his heart for his K-9 companions including the family golden labrador Lance who stood by his side either hunting in the fields of Nebraska or taking his daily walks. His other cherished doggie companions over the years were Max, Remington I,II,III, Buffy and Holly.

In Merton’s formative years, he retired to Goodyear, AZ to share the ” Casita” and ” Pool’ with his wife Doris and beloved daughter Barbara. He will be missed dearly by his professional and private friends, his family and most of all Liberty Grace his newest “furry friend” always at his feet.