AUGUSTA ? Ronald Victor Mercier, 65, of Augusta, died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2001, at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta. Ron was born in Augusta, Nov. 9, 1936, the son of Amos R. and Rose (Hisler) Mercier. He worked as a master plumber for the state of Maine and was a retired master chief in the Seabees. Ronald had many interests, including hunting, fishing, gardening, woodworking and especially spending time with family and friends. He really loved spending time spoiling his Bassett hound, Abby. He was past master of the Dresden Lodge 103 AF & AM, Scottish Rite Bodies of Augusta, Kora Temple Shrine, the Maine State Employees Association and S.A.M. Ron is survived by his wife, Eunice; a son, Leonard Cotton, and his wife, Karilyn, of Gardiner; a daughter, Cathleen Cotton, and her partner, Martha Drake, of Readfield; two grandchildren, Jaimy and Jasmine Cotton, of Gardiner, and his beloved Bassett hound, Abby. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church Street, Augusta. In lieu of flowers, those who wish, may make a memorial contribution to the charity of their choice.