Meyer, John (Jack) Passed away at home on Jan. 2, 2013 surrounded by family after a full life of 89 years. He touched the lives of many people, both professionally and personally. He was a loving husband and father and cared deeply about both his immediate and his extended family. John was a leader, mentor, teacher, and friend. He showed us the soundness of acting with integrity and the benefits of meeting life with cheer and goodwill toward others. His respect for people of all ages and all personalities and his ability to inject humor into virtually every setting endeared him to all who knew him. John grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, graduating from Marshall High School in 1941. In the fall of that year, he enrolled in the Institute of Technology at the University of Minnesota. His education was interrupted by military service between 1943 and 1946. After the war, he met and married Lillian (Vidas) in 1945 and resumed his education, graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1947 with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering. They raised three sons: Ed, Don and Ken. In 1955, John started his own structural engineering firm. Jack Borgman and Rollie Johnson subsequently joined him as partners to form the present company called Meyer Borgman Johnson (MBJ). John's enthusiasm for structural engineering and the building industry, in general, was infectious. He knew people as well as he knew his craft and mentored many a young structural engineer or architect, bringing insight and clarity to the challenges of building design and project management. His engineering firm is responsible for thousands of Minnesota structures including many on the University of Minnesota campuses, and has practiced as far away as China. (Tribute at www.mbjeng.com). John served in many capacities in professional organizations, such as president of ASCE in Minnesota, president of the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers, officer of the Minnesota Association of Consulting Engineers (now ACEC/MN), president of the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology Alumni Society, and was a member of various building code committees. John was the structural engineer of record for many notable projects in the Twin Cities area, including the Orchestral Hall and restoration of Landmark Center. His passion for restoration and adaptive reuse of historic structures led him to contribute immensely to the preservation of some of Minnesota's most important landmarks. With his knowledge of historical structural practices and materials and his skill as a structural engineer, John helped reclaim many historically significant structures for the continued use and enjoyment of future generations. In 2008, he was recognized for these contributions by the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was an avid volunteer and a strong advocate for organizations that help people. He served on the school board for nine years in Fridley District 14, and served on the Housing and Redevelopment Authority in Fridley through three decades. He was also active as a volunteer leader with the YMCA of the greater Twin Cities. He provided his structural engineering expertise and supported the YMCA and numerous other groups and organizations. John was an avid reader and history buff. His knowledge of history and ability to recall facts and figures from the time of the Greeks to the present was impressive. He had a strong interest in genealogy and geology. He loved to travel, attend musical performances, play golf and even learn to play bridge (two days before his death), especially together with Lil. John is survived by wife Lillian and sons Ed (and wife Barb), Don and Ken. John chose cremation. Memorial service on Thursday, January 10 at 10:00 am at St. Philip's Lutheran Church in Fridley: 6180 Highway NE. Visitation prior and reception following the service. Burial at Fort Snelling. Donations may be sent to Emma B. Howe branch of YMCA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 13, 2013
Kat Bonson
Uncle Jack was a kind and loving man to the young woman who invaded his home back in 1985. He opened his home and heart to his niece (me) for a number on months, and then even more time as school changes came and went. He was an avid photographer who helped direct my passion for the art into creating images other people enjoyed. I remember wandering around downtown Mpls with camera in hand taking pictures while he told stories about the buildings. I will miss him.
January 10, 2013
Francis Bulbulian
After working with you for almost 30+ years, if anyone had a “can do attitude, with a smile, it was him. We would come up with some very convoluted architectural designs and John would magically figure how to make it stand up.
January 9, 2013
Andrejs Cers
John was a wonderful individual and a superb engineer. Working with John directly on many projects while I was with the Leonard Parker Associates, I fondly remember how he would contribute to our designs, with his professionalism and characteristic good humor.
January 9, 2013
Jenna Depue
I've also had the good fortune to be employed at MBJ-Phoenix for the past two years. I wasn't able to meet John, but from the great stories that were shared this morning in our company meeting he is fondly remembered. He has left a great legacy. My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends who miss him deeply.
January 9, 2013
Brion Szwed
John was a gift.
The genuineness of his warmth and the ease of his humor opened our hearts and made life better for all of us........
I smile when I think of him now....and I always will!
January 9, 2013
David Weiner
Jack will surely be remembered for his integrity, ability to relate, sense of humor and his overall great and pleasing personality.
We wish his relatives and his many fiends, the blessings that Jack so willingly gave to all who knew him.
To all of his comrades in the 114th Regiment of the 44th Infantry Division, he will be sorely missed.
January 9, 2013
John was one of our best Structural engineers I have worked with. Our office partnered with him on numerous award winning project in the last 40 years. He was a very smart,creative and hands on engineer who never shied away from structural design challenges & we gave him many to resolve structurally. He came thru every time and with a warm memorable smile. My partners and I will miss him.
Francis Bulbulian, PDI Design Group
January 9, 2013
Scott Montgomery
I've had the good fortune to be employed at MBJ these past 13 years. Most mornings when John came it to work, he'd do a lap around the office and greet everyone by name. I'm sure he many more important things to do, but he always took time to make everyone he came into contact with feel important, no matter their station. An extraordinary man.
January 9, 2013
Irene Trofimova-Peterson
Knowing and working with a person like John has been such a priveledge, as he always will remain in my heart as the amazing, intelligent, positive, enthusiastic, warm, wonderful person who has positively influenced our lives forever. He is and will be missed.
January 8, 2013
Joan Glasper
How sad for all of us to lose such a dear and good friend. John was a model for living life joyfully, generously, and with integrity. He will be missed deeply.
January 8, 2013
Tina and Brian Pfeiffer
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
January 8, 2013
Ron, Bev, Todd, Craig & Ryan Erickson
Dear Lillian - We have always deeply admired Jack, his smiles, laugh and love of work. We felt blessed to have both of you as wonderful neighbors. Please know you and your family have our deepest sympathy.
January 7, 2013
Kathleen Pearson
Uncle Jack will be missed by everyone he touched. He was the greatest and friendly. Always interested in family and friends! I could guess he is probably playing cards with all friends and relatives waiting for him.
Love you and always will!!
January 7, 2013
Aaron & Mary Rogness
We will have many good memories of Jack and our 114th Inf. reunions.
January 7, 2013
Greg Schiller
When I remember Uncle Jack, the first thing that comes to mind is his booming laugh. You always knew where he was in a room and you drawn to him.
January 6, 2013
Family Pendergast
We will always remember you.
January 6, 2013
Vicki and Roger Henry
Our lives crossed paths with Jack (your husband and Dad) only in recent years through mutual friends. We were blessed to have had the privilege to meet Jack. The world lost a wonderful human being and he will be missed.
Lil, Ed, Ken and Don, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of grief.
Your St. Paul, Lincoln Ave friends,
January 6, 2013
Memories flood back of working with John at MBJ in the 1960's in a culture that he fostered of patience,acceptance of all,diversity and lots of good humor. We worked hard but it was fun! Several of us have met with John over the years to recall all those poignant moments that we shared as informal "MBJ Alums". I (we) will miss him a whole lot. Jim and Karen McConkey
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