Neshanic Station, NJ--Michael Bard Merchant, 58, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at home with loving family by his side.  Born and raised in Elkhart, Indiana, son of Mary C. Merchant (née Bard) and the late Ward J. Merchant, Mike lived in New York, New York for ten years before settling in Neshanic Station in 1998.

Mike graduated from Elkhart Central High School with the class of 1982, and then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota in 1986.  He attended a year at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, then completed his Master of Fine Arts degree at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York.

Mike's greatest joy in life was his family, caring for and raising his three beautiful children with his beloved wife, Anne, and sharing his amazing cooking and love of the outdoors with them.  He was passionate about the environment and preserving open space in New Jersey.  He strived for greater access to parks, trails, and green space.  Mike was an avid member of the Branchburg Township Open Space Advisory Committee, and longstanding advocate for environmental and historic preservation in the township.  Mike converted their farm to organic, and he also completed much of the renovation of their 1840's farmhouse and barn himself.  Before moving to New Jersey, his art was exhibited in Europe and the U.S., including New York City.

Besides his loving mother, Mike is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Anne Birge, after sharing a life together for almost 40 years, and their three cherished children, Coleman, Sarah, and Katy Merchant.  He will be deeply missed by three dear siblings, David Merchant and his wife Lois Foehringer, Steven Merchant and his wife Cynthia Osmundson, and his sister Christina Weber, as well as many dear in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Countryside Funeral Home, 724 Route 202 North, Three Bridges, New Jersey, on Sunday, March 20 ^th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. with the funeral service officiated by family and friends at 6:30 p.m.  Private disposition will take place in the Memorial Garden and Natural "Green" Burial Area at Rosemont Cemetery in Rosemont, New Jersey.  In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, please take a long walk outside with your loved ones in Mike's honor.  To send condolences to the family or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.CountrysideFuneralHome.com .