Joseph V. Meyer

July 1, 1937 - July 16, 2010

Joseph V. Meyer passed from this life on July 16, 2010. Joe was born July 1, 1937 in Wabasha, Minn. Joe started duck hunting with his father when he was 4. It was his passion until he was too sick to make it out to a blind. Graduated from Wabasha High School in 1955, Joe interned two summers at Bemidji State College staging productions at the Paul Bunyon Theater. He attended the University of Minnesota receiving a bachelor of science degree in speech (Technical Theater). He was also a member of the Theta Chi fraternity.

Joe and his first wife Carol moved to California in 1960. Joe was a lifelong learner and education was of the utmost importance to him. He received a bachelor of arts degree in English from San Jose State College, and a master of arts degree in English from UC Davis. He was the Scrabble guru and on the champion Trivial Pursuit team in Davis.

Joe was a devoted Friend of Bill W. for 35-plus years, and had a strong relationship with his Higher Power and gratitude for recovery motivated his actions. He was a certified drug and alcoholism counselor, working in that field, until becoming employed as the office manager for CCFAA from 1981 to 1986. He worked at Sacramento County Human Assistance Department until 1998. He served on the Yolo County Grand Jury in 2001-02, the Delta Gardens HOA Board and the Center for Spiritual Awareness Board from 2003-05.

Joe had multiple medical problems and had been on continuous oxygen since 1998. He was often asked if dragging that oxygen tank around everywhere was a problem. He invariably answered, "No, it is a solution, not breathing is a problem!"

Joe was a devoted bridge player, recently playing at the Davis Sr. Center, and was a member of ACBL. He loved ducks, "scratchy old folk music," playing board games and traveling. Together he and his wife, companion, lover and best friend Connie Gehrt, traveled in all 50 states, Canada, England and Mexico.

Joe is survived by his wife, Connie; beloved son, Joe J. Meyer (Jill); and grandchildren, Juliana and Joseph Michael Meyer of Yuba City; his loving brother, James Meyer (Carol) of Wausau, Wis.; his hunting partner, Bob Bettinger; his friends, Mike Myler, John Damiano and Gary Roberts; and his many friends in recovery who will greatly miss his kindness, wisdom, humor and intellect. Connie and Joe were married for almost 25 years. He is predeceased by his former wife Carol Waters.

Join us to celebrate his life at the Center for Spiritual Awareness, 1275 Starboard Drive., West Sacramento, at 3 p.m., Saturday, July 24. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ducks Unlimited to promote waterfowl habitat or to the CSA Building Fund. Members only may contribute to AA.