Early life Merrifield was born in
Los Angeles on November 14, 1928. He taught
physics at the
University of San Francisco,
Santa Clara University When Loyola University and nearby Marymount College merged and assumed the name
Loyola Marymount University, Merrifield was selected to remain president of the university. While living in Hawaii Merrifield worked with Oahu's
Hispanic population, a
prison ministry, and the Catholic community in the
Mānoa-Punahou area. He continued to be actively involved in university and student life in Hawaii. He served on the
board of governors for
Chaminade University of Honolulu. He also became involved with the
Newman Center at the
University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he led retreats for students. Merrifield provided
breakfast for dozens of homeless at
Ala Moana Beach Park twice a week, using his own money. The breakfasts gradually became known as "Fr. Don's Kitchen," inspiring Honolulu area parishes, namely St. Pius X and Sacred Heart, to offer breakfasts to approximately 360 homeless people at parks around the city. ==Last years==