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Keith H. Meservy

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Brigham Young University

Keith Meservy Obituary

Keith H. Meservy 1924 ~ 2008 Keith Hansen Meservy, nudged by a determined case of Acute Leukemia, changed his address on April 27, 2008 from this world to the next.He was born in 1924 to Edward Southwick Meservy and Lucille Hansen. Married Arlene Bean, his sweetheart, in 1951 in the Logan Temple and was blessed with four wonderful children: Mike (Sally Oxborrow, deceased), Marcia (Dan Wheeler, the fisherman), Mark (Jileen Crenshaw,) and Lynda (Greg Schaelling), 20 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; two sisters out of five: (Maurine (Jeston Jacobson, deceased) and Norma (Ronald Riding) preceded him in death. Three others remain: Ardis (Revo Rowley, deceased), Trudy (John Nickerson), and Naomi (John Riding). He served in the Army during World War II following high school then served an LDS mission to the Northern States. Professionally he taught in the Ancient Scripture Dept. at BYU which gave him great intellectual fulfillment. Serving in a variety of callings in the church brought him much joy. Special thanks to the many care givers especially over the last year and a half. But most of all, he thanks his over-solicitousness wife whose sacrifices for him were greatly appreciated. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at the Pleasant View 3rd Ward, 650 East Stadium Avenue, Provo, UT. Friends may call at the church on Wed. from 7-8:30 p.m. and from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will follow funeral at the Provo City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a contribution may be made in Keith's name to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Perpetual Education Fund. Condolences may be sent to [email protected]

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Published by Deseret News from Apr. 29 to Apr. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Keith Meservy

17 Entries

Terry Szink

May 1, 2008

I studied Hebrew for several years with Br. Meservy. He was a good scholar but more importantly a kind and gentle soul who loved God and cared deeply for his students. One of the best compliments I ever received was from a colleague here at BYU who once told me that I reminded him of Keith Meservy. I only hope I can be half the scholar and teacher Br. Meservy was. I look forward to the day when I can see my teacher again.

May 1, 2008

Greetings from the other side of the world (Durban, South Africa), where my wife and I are serving a mission. Some friends said they noticed Brother Meservy's passing in the Deseret News. I have fond memories of a few associations and contacts through the years.

They began with a year's part-time work grading papers and tests in his BYU office (1967-68). I remember the used books piled two-deep on every shelf from floor to ceiling. I remember kidding him about the piles of papers on top of other piles of papers on his desk. I am a witness that he did clear it once (to put a map of Egypt under the glass top for a class he was teaching on Egyptian history), but it didn't last very long. He encouraged me to look into a seminary and institute of religion career - which ended up lasting 36 years.

The next summer I stayed in the Meservy basement apartment while doing graduate work. I remember the fresh rabbit of a Sunday dinner from the back yard pens and produce.

During other summers of graduate work I remember his research and symposium defenses of the faith, particularly Ezekiel 37 and Isaiah 29. I wonder if they have been among the early greeters.

He was a good example and mentor. Always a ready smile. I look forward to greeting him again, at his new address.

With love and best wishes, Wayne P. Smith

Virginia Bryson

May 1, 2008

Marcia, this is your friend, Virginia Clawson Bryson. I am going to try to be there today. If I cannot make it to the funeral, I hope you will try to contact me so we can talk. It has been years since I have seen you, and I think we have a lot to catch up on. I think about you and your family more than you can possibly imagine. Your father was the first Meservy I ever met, way back at BYU when I was a sophomore. I never met a man who knew so much about the gospel. I am sure he did not feel ready to leave here, so much he still wanted to learn and study and understand. But he is going to be very busy now! He is a good man with much to contribute on the other side of the veil. Please know I am thinking about you and praying for increased peace and comfort at this time. Again, I hope you will contact me. I'd love to keep in touch. Love, Virginia

J. Elliot Cameron

April 30, 2008

We send our sincere sympath and condolences to the family of a dear friend and colleague of many years at BYU.

Rex and Bonnie Pinegar

April 30, 2008

Dear Arlene and Family,

Bonnie and I wish to extend our love and condolences at the passing of our dear friend and your husband and father, Keith H. Meservy. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend. We remember with much fondness our association with you and him over the years, particularly while we lived as your neighbors in the "circle" in Pleasant View.

Please know that our entire family mourns with you at this loss. We were unaware of Keith's illness, but hope and pray that the Spirit of the Lord will accompany you all and bring you peace.

With love and sympathy,

Rex and Bonnie Pinegar and Family

Kerry Bate

April 30, 2008

Arlene, please accept my condolences on your loss.

Kevin Searle

April 30, 2008

Thanks to the Meservy family for many fond and fun memories. I will never forget the summers in Idaho with Mike and Mark. The Meservy home was always a warm and welcome place whenever we passed thru Provo. I can recall Uncle Keith's Love of the ancient scriptures and he would always leave us with a tidbit of information. Just enough to make you want more. He also had such a keen interest in BYU sports that fascinated me. I thought it so fun that their home was located on the hill and there were always something off the fruit trees or fresh from the garden to eat. We love you Arlene. We love your kids, Mike, Marsha, Mark and Linda. May you find joy in the rejoicing of the good life of a great father and one who loved the Lord.

Mary Kammeyer

April 30, 2008

He was a WONDERFUL professor, and I loved his classes! I am so sorry and express my deepest condolences to his family. Even though I was in his classes many years ago, the lessons have stayed with me.

Kathryn MacKay Jones

April 30, 2008

My deepest sympathy goes to the family at this time. Keith has been a great associate and friend since our association at BattleCreek , Michigan as missionaries in the Northern States Mission under President Creed Haymond. Our missionary group will miss him greatly.

Lynn Boyakin

April 30, 2008

It has been a blessing for me personally to know Bro Meservy, though even for such a short time. I met him only toward the end of his mortal sojourn, yet the culmination of his life's thoughts, focus, love, scarcifices, study, teachings, efforts and choices raidiated from him like a bright beacon. He was a tower of quiet, humble strength and pure, living testimony of our Savior. My heart is with you all. You each honor him by how you are living your lives! Bless you! Sincerely, Lynn B.

Jane Riggs Parker

April 29, 2008

Lynda,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I remember your dad always being so kind to me when we were kids. Just today I came across a letter from you talking about our creative times. I lost my mom to leukemia as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Susan Brady

April 29, 2008

When we heard of Keith's passing, my first thought was that we certainly waited too long to have them over for dinner! Our deepest love we extend to Arlene, Mike, Marsha, Mark & Lynda.

Jim & I spent a good part of our first date at the Meservy home. Jim lived with Keith & Arlene for a short time during his college days after spending delightful time with them in Baltimore.

Thank you, Keith & Arlene, for driving to California 39 years ago to let Keith be Jim's best man at our Oakland Temple wedding. That was 8 children and 27 grandchildren ago!

We have been blessed by our association with the Meservy family and have shared several great rabbit dinners and cherry drinks!

We will miss Keith and want Arlene to know that if she ever needs anything, just call on us!

Ann (Arnold) Turner

April 29, 2008

It is with great apppreciation that I bid farewell to Bro Meservy. He was an inspiration to me as I participated in the Semester Abroad to Israel in 1972. I never doubted his sincerity or his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I learned volumes from his example and the precepts he taught. Thank You Bro. Meservy!

Terry Gilbert

April 29, 2008

I recall very few of my professor's from my days at BYU, so long ago in the 1970s and early 80s, but I do remember Brother Meservy. He was a good man. I'm sorry he had to go. Condolences and best wishes to his family at this time.

Joyce Lindsay Jensen

April 29, 2008

Many happy memories from childhood visits to Grandpa and Grandma Meservy's. Thanks to Keith and Arlene for attending services for my dear husband Gordon. Thanks to Keith and Trudy for getting the Meservy cousins together a few years ago.

Lawan Brown

April 29, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss in your family. We pray that each of you will find the peace and comfort of the Lord with you at this time.

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