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Spear-Miller Funeral Home

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Phil Meiman Obituary

MEIMAN Phil Meiman 'hiked home to God' on his 77th birthday, May 16th, 2010, surrounded by his family, and the love of countless friends and former students. Born in Covington, KY, Phil grew up in New Orleans and Chicago, as one of four children. Phil Meiman served in the U.S. Army Intelligence from 1955-1958, earned his Bachelor's degree at Loyola University, his Master's at Fairfield University and his post-graduate degree at Southern CT State and Dartmouth. He met his wife, Kay, while teaching in Texas and they settled in Fairfield, CT to raise their family, and teach in the Fairfield Schools for thirty-two years. He will be dearly missed by his wife Kathryn, his daughters and their families: Mary Kay and David Kenney, and their sons Philip and Sam, of Jacksonville, FL, Anne and Tim Hughes of Sharon, Susan Meiman of Andover, Meg and George Layton and their children George and Kathryn, of Nokesville, VA and Betsy and Richard Parker of Milford, CT. Phil is also survived by his brothers Joe and George, his sister Rosemary, O.S.U., and a great abundance of nieces, nephews and extended family and students, who affectionately remember "Uncle Phil". His legacy was championing social justice and peace issues ahead of his time, and co-leading one of the longest-running alternative outdoor education programs in the US (Whole Earth Learning) at Roger Ludlowe High School for eighteen years, and also as Biology teacher for Fairfield's high schools. He was the 1983 Jaycees recipient of Teacher of the Year Award, appointed to the Conservation Commission of Fairfield from 1997-2007 (Chair from '05-'07), and served on the Mill River Wetlands Committee. Like the Lorax, Phil spoke for the trees, and inspired many others to value and care for the earth and its gifts. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield. A Celebration of Life reception/refreshments will follow the Mass. Interment will be private. Friends may call Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, family has requested donations that support additional research towards a cure for Multiple Myeloma be made in Phil Meiman's name to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF): go to www.tinyurl.com/PhilMeiman or MMRF at 383 Main Ave 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851. For information or to sign an online guest book please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com.

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

Published by Connecticut Post from May 18 to May 20, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Phil Meiman

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Pat (Mays) Prendergast (WEL '77)

May 26, 2010

My deepest condolences to the Meiman family on the loss of Phil, such a wonderful person. He was an extraordinary teacher who enriched the lives of many Whole Earth Learning students. I was fortunate to be a former WEL student where classroom teaching integrated with the natural world and taught us valuable life lessons. Phil’s passing has triggered reflection among many of his former students, sparking a desire for a WEL reunion where after 30 years, ‘Uncle Phil” will still be remembered, respected and admired.

May 23, 2010

dear Meiman family- I met your dad through the church at Ffld U. I later became a student at WEL- I have nothing but love and respect for him. i also remember your mom serving lemonade saying patience is a virtue- i am so sorry for your loss Kathy Blawie Williams

Val Messineo

May 20, 2010

Phil, I can see you hiking on the mountain and right into the clouds. Rest Easy. Thank for the best year of my high school experience, '79-'80 Whole Earth Learning.

DeeDee Brandt

May 20, 2010

Phil offering his views in a quiet and steady way.

DeeDee Brandt

May 20, 2010

Phil offered us quiet,steady advice and friendship. The world is a better place because of his efforts and he will be missed very much.

Kathryn Braun

May 20, 2010

To the Meiman Family - I hope the thoughts of others whose lives Phil touched will help you get through your loss. Phil's passing is a great loss to the community as well. The example he set is a standard for others to follow. His love of science combined with his creativity, intelligence, integrity, commitment, thoughtfulness, and kindness had a deep impact on those he taught and interacted with. "Mr. Meiman" was a creative and thought provoking biology teacher at Ludlowe and helped me to develop a greater interest in how the natural world works; I still remember some of his more interesting presentations and his dry wit: Mr. Meiman was a very cool science teacher. In more recent years, during his 10 years on the Conservation Commission, several as Chairperson, Town residents could rest assured that Phil's voice would be one of scientific insightfulness and care for the environment. He served with integrity, not influenced by outside pressure. Just about a month ago, despite his illness, Phil stood up for the Conservation Director and testified in Court in an effort to restore Conservation oversight to the FMC project on the contaminated Bullard Castings property. Phil's grace and generosity were an example of his commitment to the environment. His memory will live on as a man who made a great contribution, both to his students on a personal level, and to so many more in our community by helping us to understand and learn to protect the natural world we inhabit. My deepest sympathy to the family, Kathy Braun

Mary Kate Bohman

May 20, 2010

Mr. Meiman was a wonderful teacher - I was so very lucky to be one of his students. Very sorry for your loss.

The Staff of Spear-Miller Funeral Home

May 20, 2010

Offering our deepest condolences during this time.

Ellen (Dunn) Davies

May 19, 2010

To the Meiman Family,
My heart sunk when I saw that Mr. Meiman hiked to heaven. Mr. Meiman was an incredible person, an excellent role model, and he truly made the world a better place. I'm sorry that we lost contact over the years, however, his positive influence was an important part of my life. I wish I told him that! My sincerest sympathy to a wonderful family! Love, Ellen

Kelley

May 19, 2010

Phil truly touched so many peoples lives in such a positive way. I'm am so blessed that I was able to part of his Whole Earth Learning Class.

Catherine

May 19, 2010

What a wonderful teacher and was I was so lucky to be one of his students in his Whole Earth Learning Program.

Kim Elmore

May 19, 2010

Rest in Peace Mr. Meiman. Thank you for Whole Earth Learning. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

John Metsopoulos

May 19, 2010

He was a true gentlman, who taught many in the class room and by the way he lived his life. John Metsopoulos

Betsy & Gar Roper

May 18, 2010

We are so sorry to hear about Phil's passing. Our love and thoughts are with you. We will come this weekend.

Janet Williams

May 18, 2010

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Blue ridge

May 18, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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