Dick Meyers Obituary

MEYERS

Dick (Richard J.)

Dick Meyers, 75, died Thursday, May 21, 2015, at home. For 18 months he worked to continue living fully while being treated for angiosarcoma.

Dick was born January 25, 1940, in Columbus, OH. He graduated from Aquinas High School and received a BA in Landscape Architecture from The Ohio State University in 1961. He was a lifelong, ardent Buckeyes fan.

In 1963, after serving in the U.S. Army reserves, Dick married his high school sweetheart, Mary Igoe. They are the proud parents of Greg, Helen and Andrew and enjoyed 52 years of marriage. He treasured his wife, Mary, and spending time with family and friends. An avid golfer, he loved the challenge of the game and played his last rounds in April.

Dick came to Toledo in 1965 to work for Arthur Hills in golf course design. From 1967-1973 he founded a new landscape architecture firm with Bob Mortenson and it grew to include John Squire and architect, Jim Smith. In 1973 Mortenson, Meyers, Squire and Smith merged with 2 other local firms to become The Collaborative Inc., where Dick remained as a Founding partner until he retired in 1999.

During his long career, Dick was enthusiastic about and committed to enhancing the Toledo community. He was an able volunteer in many areas and served on the Toledo Plan Commission for 10 years. Dick received many awards and recognitions for his work. He cherished being recognized by his peers as a Fellow in Landscape Architecture in 1984. Most recently Dick was honored by University of Toledo's Commission on the River at a dedication of the "Dick Meyers Overlook" located on the campus. Among his design contributions to the UT campus are Centennial Mall and Student Rec Center and at UTMC the Dana Center and the Dorothy and Ashel Bryant Academic Commons.

Dick never really retired. He began a 15 year "volunteer practice" with the Toledo Design Center and with other involved design professionals continued to facilitate plans and ideas that would enhance the Toledo environment and community.

Dick is survived by son, Greg and Teri Anderson and step-grandchildren, Lara and Scott; daughter, Helen and grandchildren, Maya, Jacob and Carley; son, Andrew and Melissa Cheong and grandchildren, Quinn, Sebastian and Graham Richard; sister, Nancy Maloney; sister, Judy and Craig Jenkins; brother, David; Igoe "sisters", Maggi and Cecilia and "brothers", Dan and Michael and many loving nieces and nephews.

Dick and family thank the many compassionate doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals who cared for him. He and Mary were most grateful for every kindness.

A Memorial mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on June 6, 2015, at The Historic St. Patrick Church, followed by a gathering at his daughter's home.

Memorial tributes may be directed to: Toledo Design Center student intern fund; OSU school of Landscape Architecture; Toledo Botanical Garden-Children's Garden; UT student scholarship fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade on May 27, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Dick Meyers

11 Entries

William Homka

June 22, 2015

I learned belatedly of Dick Meyer's passing and am very remorseful for his family's loss. It's a surprising and lonely feeling because a strong light such as his has flickered out. Yet, if we call to mind Dick's leadership by example, his light will continue to shine within all of us.

Even when divisive issues were at stake, Dick always remained objective and true to his integrity. He would highlight the positives about whatever it was to offset the negatives, thus balancing the scales in favor of objective decision making rather than jaded interests or reactions. His approach paid dividends to Toledo's efforts in community design as well as community involvement, for he always made sure persons or neighborhood groups were present to participate in issues affecting their environment, or lives, families and community. Dick's dedication to his profession gave many people a better appreciation of the built environment we live in. I'm grateful to have known him and been affected by his kind demeanor.

Dick was one of the first people I met when I came to Toledo in 1994. I worked with him as a staff member of the Toledo City Plan Commission. Regardless of what was presented before the city commission Dick always commanded fairness, consideration, and credible deliberations as part of the review and decision process. Twenty one years have passed since and I have not met anyone who can lead a Plan Commission with the distinction and credibility of Dick Meyers. He set the professional standard high; a standard that has been tough for anyone else to match since. He made an imprint on my life and many others I'm sure. Integrity was non-negotiable for Dick Meyers.

I briefly worked with Dick again, only this time as a volunteer with the Toledo Design Center. It was refreshing to see him again. The 2013 TDC Christmas Party was the last time I saw Dick and his wife Mary together. She is also one of the kindest women to ever know. Their vibrancy belied their age and 50 years together. They were happy and laughing and took the time to meet and visit with everyone. That moment was another, last lesson from Dick; life is not all about work.

I will always remember Dick and Mary for their kindness as a couple, and Dick for his inspiration as a professional. Though he will be missed, we can keep his light shining by becoming more compassionate, considerate, and thoughtful in our own daily lives.

Sincere regret,

Bil Homka

Patrick Lawrence

June 1, 2015

The University of Toledo President's Commission on the River has lost a great treasure of the mind and expertise of Dick who contributed so much to the beautiful design of the landscape of our community and campus, including his efforts as an original and continued member of our Commission. His touch on the many projects he contributed to will live on for future generations to experience and enjoy.

Mike R

May 29, 2015

Met and played golf with John and Mary this past March at the Meadows in Sarasota. Very warm congenial people. Dick will be dearly missed.

Larry & Connie Hudson

May 27, 2015

Please accept our deepest sympathy. We have many fond memories of Dick over the years at HDCC. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Kathi Meyers

May 27, 2015

My condolences to all the Meyers family. Dick was a very kind man and was so good to me and my girls
I will keep you all in my prayers

Mary Rosa

May 27, 2015

What a beautiful person, family, & life! We could all learn from Dick, & Mary, how to deal with a serious illness with grace. And Dick's work for the community is so appreciated by so many! Love & prayers always for you two & family, my deepest condolences, Mary

May 27, 2015

We are so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. It was wonderful to see you this spring and to remember his great spirit. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Pete & Sally Hetzel

Sandy & Jerry Miller

May 27, 2015

Mary and Family,

May all the happy memories give you peace.

Andy Langenderfer

May 27, 2015

Dick was a great man! I really enjoyed working and playing golf with him. He will be dearly missed by all that know and love him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Peter Taylor

May 27, 2015

What a gem of a gentleman. Creative. Energetic. Generous.

David Maxwell

May 27, 2015

Dick was one of the best of our Aquinas class of 1957. Never met anyone who had a bad word about him. He was well liked, positive, friendly, and respectful. Very sorry to hear of his death. May Dick rest in peace, and our prayers go out to Mary and the family.

Dave and Jeanette

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