Robert Meyers Obituary
Dr. Robert Meyers, age 88, retiree in Bellingham WA since 2005, died January 8, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 63 years (Billie), by three children (daughter Karen, who has taught French and English in Bellingham; son Robin, professor/author in Oklahoma City; son Devon, professional photographer in Malibu, CA; and by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Also living in Bellingham are son-in-law James Wakefield, who works for Anvil Corp., and granddaughter Dr. April Wakefield-Pagels with artist Shawn Pagels and great-grandchildren Adelyn and Oliver. Robert spent almost half of his mature life in Kansas, where he was an English professor at Wichita State, and the Founding Minister of University Congregational church. In retirement he taught adult education courses at Western Washington U., delivered a series of luncheon lectures at Village Books, and spoke at various times in six different area churches. An army correspondent in WW2, he came home to dual professions in ministry and academia that included writing two books and over 100 journal articles; reviewing books for the Dallas Times-Herald and the library journal, Choice; 3 years as an editor for the Kansas University Press; editorship of a daily newspaper; Excellence in Teaching Awards from two universities; and countless speeches to civic and professional groups in Kansas. He appreciated his final years in Riptide, overlooking the bay, and daily strolls with his beloved wife on the boardwalk, which he considered an extraordinarily thoughtful civic gift to all who live in or visit Bellingham. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Hospice and the wonderful caregivers who made his final days comfortable and peaceful.
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Jay Hall
March 6, 2012
I was a professional photographer for 25 years, and always looked forward to working with Dr. Meyers and Ms. Billie. I enjoyed being in their beautiful church, and respected their professionalism. I miss seeing them, and give my condolences to the family. May you find peace and have fond memories later in life.
February 7, 2012
Randy and I are saddened to hear of Bob's death. We lived in Wichita from 1990 to 1995 and enjoyed attending The First Congregational Church Where we always looked forward to hearing his wonderful messages and valued our friendship with both Billie and Bob. He married our daughter Lisa in Kansas City in 2000 which meant a lot to us .
Fondly
Jeanne and Randy Pohlman
February 3, 2012
Bob Meyers was a singular influence on me and others over many years. He was a gifted teacher, eloquent preacher, and an extraordinary friend and mentor. My family and I attended Riverside Church of Christ when Bob was the minister, and he was my English teacher at Friends University before he was appointed to the faculty at Wichita State. It is not coincidental that I ended up as an English professor teaching in the same field as Bob. Bob's generosity was evident when he sent me many of his books, notes, and other professional materials after he retired. I will always remember his good humor, his decency, and generous spirit.
Barbara Arvold
January 25, 2012
My world, Bellingham and Wichita will never be the same, Bob Meyer!! I thank GOD for allowing us to share time together. Barbara Arvold Tucson, Arizona
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Dominique Coulet du Gard
January 21, 2012
Dr. Bob Meyers was such a gifted, caring individual who easily could make anyone understand the beauty and challenges of being human. Thank you, Dr Meyers, for touching my life.
J Lott
January 19, 2012
Bob was a regular guest speaker at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship. I always tried to make it to church on those Sundays. I didn't doze off when he was in the pulpit. We would chat a bit after the service, just idle bantor.
He made the world a better place.
Dana and Kevin Swinger
January 17, 2012
We were blessed to be one of the last weddings he officiated. We were married in April of 2005. He was my minister as a child and he was so kind to be there for us. He was a huge influence in my life. He will be missed. Sympathy for the family.
Vicki Hogan
January 16, 2012
Dr. Meyers has been a huge influence on the entire Hogan family for many years. He was Pat's professor at Friends, baptised our four children, buried one, married three of them, and most recently buried my husband, Pat. His sermons always lingered throughout the week, and, typical of the perfect sermon, I always felt like he was speaking directly to me. His sense of humor, wonderful manner of speaking, and incredible knowledge of the Bible and the history of its authors, made his sermons and prayers always memorable. So thankful his talent lives on in his children. He will be mightily missed. God bless Billie and the family and many friends whose loss is so great.
MaryAnn k
January 16, 2012
Dear Billie. Our mutual friend Barbara Arvold just told me about the passing of your wonderful, dear, beautiful, handsome, bigger than life, orator gentleman husband, Bob. Knowing him even the small encounters that I have has been a complete pleasure, memorable and warm and always good. I thank Barbara for bringing me into your glowing circle. I wanted you to know that Bob touched my life and he will not be forgotten. I can hear that voice of his out on the boat when we buried Bob Arvold's ashes in the bay. His voice was like a fine painting.
I'm so glad you have your kids around you. A blessing for sure.
Most Sincerely,
MaryAnn Kohl
Barbara and Keith Floyd
January 13, 2012
Bob Meyers had a wonderful curiosity about life and learning, and he delighted in sharing his enthusiasm for seeking the best and most honest within ourselves. We were privileged, as his students many years ago, to be among those who benefited from his profound intellect, wit and humanity. We send our condolences to his family in the loss of this good man.
Michael Brown
January 13, 2012
I had the privilege and honor of meeting Bob Meyers and his lovely wife Billie in September, 2011. I was researching a story I was writing about an incident at Harding College (Arkansas) in 1957 in which he and a brave group of students stood up for racial justice at the height of the Little Rock Crisis. We had a wonderful visit; his keen insight and winsome humor were shining through on that beautiful Bellingham day despite his failing physical health. We even watched a little football (Alabama vs. Arkansas), and I have a wonderful picture that I took of him wearing a ball cap emblazoned with the logo of his beloved Oklahoma Sooners. When I left that day, I felt like we had been friends forever. He was a man of high integrity and a Christian in the truest and most core sense of the word. I will miss him greatly.
Peggy Lahti
January 12, 2012
Bob Meyers was my minister and my friend for many years. His classes at University Congregational Church were fascinating and enlightening. My entire family sends their deepest condolences to the Meyer family.
Kevin Kathy Lucia Anamaria Rivadeneira
January 12, 2012
The Rivadeneira Family from Punta Gorda, Florida via Wichita, Kansas wishes to express our deepest condolences to the Meyers Family. Bob filled an important space in our hearts and lives.
Sallie Turner Hightower
January 12, 2012
Dr. Meyers was my first college English teacher in 1955-56, and his teaching and life were a huge inspiration to me. I'm thankful to this day for how he not only communicated his love of literature and his scholarship but took some of us sheltered students into a world of ideas from which we could never turn back.
Ron Floyd
January 11, 2012
I had the privilege to have Dr. Meyers for about five of my english classes at WSU. Along with Dr. James Durham in the history department, I considered him the best instructor I ever had.
I especially enjoyed the little things he brought to class, such as his "word of the day." I can still use "lugubrious" in a sentence. I also remember the semester his son was in the class and he didn't divulge his identity until the final day of class.
Dr. Meyers was so full of enthusiam and fun. Loved his classes, and I will always consider him one of the best.
Becky Gray
January 10, 2012
Dr. Meyers was respected, admired and loved by so many and he will be missed.
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