[lwem]

Richard F. Meyer, September 25, 1946 - July 15, 2018

by lwem on Tue Jul 17, 2018 2:42 pm

Dear Members:

With a heavy heart, I am writing to advise that on Sunday, July 15, 2018, my husband, Richard F. Meyer, lost his battle with this beast of a disease. He passed away at home with his family at his side. While I have posted and commented on this forum over the last few years, I have not necessarily introduced Richard, so I am including his obituary with this post. My heart is with all of you as you travel this journey. I learned so much from you all over the past three years and I can't say enough how invaluable this forum has been:

Richard (“Dick”) Frederic Meyer, age 71, a longtime resident of Carlisle, Massachusetts, passed away at his home on July 15, 2018, from multiple myeloma. Richard was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 25, 1946 to Arthur and Janet Meyer. He graduated from Munich American High School in Germany in 1964; Michigan State University in 1968; and earned his JD from Boston University in 1974. Richard is also a Veteran of the United States Army, earning the rank of First Lieutenant; he served our country for three years between 1969 and 1972.

Richard had many passions; he was an avid long-distance runner, completing dozens of road races and two marathons (including the running of the 100th Boston Marathon). In earlier years, he was a pilot, enjoyed scuba diving, and riding his motorcycles. Richard was most passionate about vintage automobiles, particularly Italian and English cars of the 1950’s and 1960’s. When not in his garage, working outside with his tractor, or out driving his antique cars throughout Concord and Carlisle, Richard could be found racing around Lime Rock Park in Connecticut with other vintage sports car enthusiasts.

During his professional career as an attorney, Richard served as Corporation Counsel and head of the Division of Labor Relations for the City of Boston between 1974 and 1979. Richard became Director of Labor Relations for the Massachusetts Port Authority in 1979 and served in that position until his retirement in 2003. Richard also held the position of Director of Risk Management for Massport during his time there. Following his retirement, Richard worked for the Boston Shipping Association as its Executive Director from 2003 until this past June 2018. In 2001, Richard was presented the Cushing-Gavin Award for outstanding management service by the Labor Guild of Boston.

Richard is survived by his wife of 22 years Laurie Engdahl and his two children: Kathryn Meyer-McEwen (Spencer) of Harvard, MA, and Spencer Meyer of Carlisle, MA; as well as his beloved puppy Gaston. Richard Meyer was also the proud grandfather of Ava McEwen. Richard is also survived by his sister Barbara Mardones (Mario) of New Glarus, WI; and his nieces and nephew.

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: Richard F. Meyer, September 25, 1946 - July 15, 2018

by Nancy Shamanna on Tue Jul 17, 2018 9:21 pm

Laurie, thank you for sharing this obituary of your husband Richard. It sounds like he led a very full life and was also fortunate to have you with him. I hope that these good memories stay with you and you can think of the nice times you had together. Best wishes, Nancy

[Pepperink]

Re: Richard F. Meyer, September 25, 1946 - July 15, 2018

by Pepperink on Wed Jul 18, 2018 12:41 am

Laurie,

Looking back at your many posts over the past three years, I am struck by the compassion you showed toward others while you were facing your husband's devastating health problems.

Many times you gave comfort and sympathy to others and now I believe we here at the Forum want to comfort you and express our most heart-felt sympathy.

Your husband accomplished a great deal in his life, but more than that, he was blessed to have his soul mate at his side "through sickness and in health."

You have touched us all.

God bless.

[MrPotatohead]

Re: Richard F. Meyer, September 25, 1946 - July 15, 2018

by MrPotatohead on Mon Jul 30, 2018 3:54 pm

May your dear husband’s memory be a blessing forever.

I wish you and your family peace and healing during this terrible time.