JAN. 23, 1941 – DEC. 23, 2016
Alan E. Meyers
Bellevue, WA.— Alan E. Meyers, 75, died peacefully of Pneumonia on Dec. 23, 2016 at Overlake Hospital. He leaves his wife of 35 years, Sue (Pierce) Meyers; his stepson, Michael A. Vitale (Marie); stepdaughter, Michelle S. Vitale; and 3 beloved grandchildren, Gabriel A. Vitale, Lola V. Santos and Leo V. Santos. He also leaves sister-in-law, Virginia (Lillard) Meyers; brother-in-law, Raymond L. Pierce; and cousins Linda McVey (Bill) and John Myers (Sally). He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernie R. and Viola L. (Hopkins) Meyers, and brother Robert (July 2016).
Born in Mason City, Iowa, and raised in Winnetka, Illinois, Alan graduated in 1964 from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Forest Hydrology. Due to his love of adventure and helping others, Alan served in the Peace Corps for 2 years in Tanzania, Africa, designing rural water systems and small dams, an experience he valued throughout his life. Before leaving Africa, he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro twice, traveled to Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. From there, he flew to Greece and then backpacked through Europe.
He continued his education at Colorado State University earning a Master’s Degree (M.S.) in Watershed Management and Hydrology in 1968, then worked as a Research Scientist and later as an Engineer in water quality management. He earned a 2nd Master’s Degree in 1973 in Sanitary Engineering from Washington State University and then a Civil Engineering P.E. license (Professional Engineer). His many years practicing as an engineer were spent in private engineering consulting firms and later in the Department of Natural Resources.
Alan & Sue’s Wedding, Michelle 9, Mike 11
Alan and Sue married August 15, 1981 at Bellevue Presbyterian Church and lived in Bellevue where they shared many interests: tennis, dancing, long walks, theater, music, and travel.
With his love of nature, he was an avid hiker, president of a canoe club, member of Mountaineers and Audubon Society, a gifted singer, and frequent volunteer. Alan organized a Peace Corps group where he worked and, with his wife, enjoyed attending P.C. reunions with others who had served in Tanzania. Alan was a man with a deep personal faith that he shared with Sue; he had served as a Deacon at the Presbyterian Church.
Giza, Egypt 2010
After his retirement in 2007, Alan and Sue continued to travel overseas, something they both loved especially when experiencing other cultures or being among wild or rescued animals. They traveled twice to Africa, visiting 7 African countries including Tanzania. They also visited Europe; Turkey; Morocco; Egypt and Jordon; China and Tibet; Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Viet Nam; Central and South America including an adventure in the Peruvian Amazon, with a final 2014 memorable trip with friends to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Hawaii.
Alan continued to volunteer and stay active in retirement: as a member of the “Let’s Dance” group; as an interpreter for the National Park Service’s Amtrak “Trails and Rails” program, describing the sights seen from trains to Montana and Portland; teaching ESL for adults; helping with “KidReach” at Jubilee Reach Center; participating in Men’s Bible Study; leading hikes for the King County Parks Department. Some of his happiest times were spent with family and grandchildren (Lola 12, Gabe 10, Leo 8) whom he loved to chase around the house listening to their laughter and squeals of delight.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, March 26, at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, 1717 Bellevue Way NE. Alan was interred on January 29 in a niche in the Church’s Memorial Garden in a private ceremony for family members.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Alan’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Sue wishes to thank family and friends for their love and support as well as Rev. Rosalind Renshaw, Presbyterian Church; Doug Gilbertz, invaluable nurse and caregiver; the compassionate and caring nurses, doctors, and chaplains at Overlake; and Evergreen Hospice.