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Merle B. Ellis, Jr.
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Merle B. Ellis, Jr. ‘The Butcher’ passes away
Merle B. Ellis, Jr., passed away peacefully at home in Tiburon, Calif., on January 20, 2010.
Best known as “The Butcher,” a highly regarded expert on meat, Merle learned his trade at his father’s side.
In the early 1960’s, Merle worked as a news director and produccer of public affairds for both KPIX and KRON TV in San Francisco. In the 70’s, he began writing a food column for his local newspaper, the ARK in Tiburon, while working behind the meat counter at the Corner Market. The column was then picked up by the S.F. Chronicle and eventually syndicated nationally in over 200 papers. Numerous lectures and television appearances followed, giving advice on how to save money at the meat counter. Merle published three cookbooks on the subject, including his first and best seller, Cutting Up in the Kitchen. After winning an Emmy in 1976, the production of the television insert “The Butcher” followed, as well as hosting the Nashville Network’s Cookin’ USA. The PBS show Cut Up & Cook featured he and his wife, Neva, offering recipes and meat cutting advice.
He will be remembered for his kind heart and wild sense of humor.
Memorial contributions in Merle’s name may be made to Hospice by the Bay, 17 East Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Larkspur, CA 94939 or Youth in Arts, 999 Fifth Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901.
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