Paul Meyer Obituary

Paul Meyer

Paul Rauch Meyer, beloved partner, father, grandpa, and friend to all, died of an unexpected heart attack at his favorite place in the world, Lake Chelan, Sunday, April 19, 2020. Born in Elma Washington, June 26, 1936, to Martha and Paul Meyer, Paul grew up in Malone and later in Lakewood. His fondness for the Olympic Mountains got him into mountaineering early. Over the years, he climbed all the major peaks in Washington State, summited Mt. Rainier twice, and passed onto his sons his fondness for the wilderness. But that was only part of his full life.

Paul graduated from the University of Washington with an undergraduate degree in Political Science and a Masters Degree in Public Administration. He spent 20 years in public service and served as Seattle-King County Ombudman from 1974-1979. He spent the next 20 years in the private sector where he consulted with small family businesses, and finally served as an arbitrator for FINRA. (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) In addition to his professional life, Paul was a Paul Harris Rotarian, Past Commodore of the Ancient Mariners, Member of the Seattle Tennis Club, a US Army Veteran, a Mason, a DKE, and played French Horn in the Seattle Civic Band.

Paul married Mary Quillian in 1960 and had two children, Christopher and Jay, ending in divorce. In 1969, he became a devoted husband to Nancy Lee Bryant until her death in 2007. Together they raised their four children, Paul's Christopher and Jay and Nancy's Nanna and Peter. In 2009, he became partners with Jody Nyquist, and formed a special relationship with her son Dwynn, his wife Kristi, and their three children, Michael, Tyler, and Olivia.

Paul has been an oarsman since he was a freshman at UW and rowed 3 times a week to this day. Paul maintained it taught him "the importance of discipline, academic excellence, team work, and trust," principles that he applied the rest of his life. Paul was an avid reader, amazingly curious about all of life, and continually challenged himself to learn more. In retirement, he set off to explore the world as well as to volunteer for many non-profits and church groups.

Paul was a man of profound faith, not only in God but in everyone. He loved people. He had a generous heart for all and a calling to help others. He loved boundlessly and was fiercely loyal. With a twinkle in his eye and a smile, his goal was to "use his God given talents to make the world a better place." He was so loved and will be sorely missed by his family and his legions of friends.

Paul is survived by his partner, Jody Nyquist, brother Roger Meyer, children Jay Meyer (Gloria), Nanna Goodfellow, and Peter Goodfellow (Kathleen), and grandchildren Mark Meyer (Simon) and Alexis Goodfellow (Simone). He was preceded in death by his son Christopher Meyer and granddaughter Kimberley Meyer.

A Memorial Service will be held at Epiphany Parish in Seattle at a future date when it is possible to gather together to celebrate the life of Paul Rauch Meyer.

Donations can be made in Paul Meyer's name to the Christopher Rauch Meyer Endowed Fund at the University of Washington (https://tinyurl.com/MeyerFund or by calling 1-800-332-0565) or to Shared Breakfast (for the homeless) at First Church United Methodist Church of Seattle (www.firstchurchseattle.org/give) donate.

Please leave messages of condolence on Paul Meyer's memorial page found at

www.prechtrose.com

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

Published by The Seattle Times on May 3, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Meyer

Sponsored by The Family.

6 Entries

jim clark

May 10, 2020

Like many of us who rowed at UW, Paul was a "shock-trooper", designed not to be the star but the person who pushed others to be better than they ever imaged possible. I came to know Paul through old timer rowing in the last year but was reminded each time out about his strength of character and tenacity to leave big puddles with each stroke. Paul was a good listener above his noteworthy professional accomplishments and personal passions. Paul has left a "big puddle" for each of us to emulate as we paddle our ways through life.

May 7, 2020

Paul and I became reacquainted in 2004 while planning our 50th High School Reunion. He relished the connection with classmates and accepted any responsibility asked of him with great enthusiasm. We started having yearly reunions and his presence brought great happiness to all. I will miss his friendship.
Gayle Hammermaster

Steve Moen

May 6, 2020

Paul was my dorm advisor in Terry Hall on the U of W campus in 1959-60. Over the years, I was aware of his outstanding career in public service at the county and state levels. About twenty years ago, we reunited in a group of men that meets for breakfast every Thursday and, after jabbering as men do, we study the Bible readings for the coming Sunday in churches around the world. During my wife's declining health, Paul would stop by with a casserole and make sure I knew he was available to help in any way. When Kathie died, Paul and Jody were in Russia and lit a candle for her in a church. One cannot have a better friend! Rest In Peace, my beloved friend!

Jo-Ann Christen

May 5, 2020

Paul was a loyal member of the Seattle Civic Band for many years. He developed his music reading skills and tackled the formidable task of learning the treacherous paths of the Fr. Horn with optimism and forward thinking. Each season he improved. I was shocked to hear of his sudden passing. May his family find peace as they grieve their loss. He will not be forgotten.
Jo-Ann Christen, Founding Conductor Emeritus

Nancy Clark

May 3, 2020

I sat beside Paul in the Seattle Civic Band French horn section performing over the years at the Fourth of July Ballard locks, Wallingford Wurst Festival, and the Salvation Army Red Kettle concerts. Every time Paul greeted me with the warmest of hellos. He was entertaining with his stories of the joys and perils of his travels, and a true gentleman to the core. Please someone add the best picture ever of the horn section in the garden at the locks, with dignified Paul anchoring that classic photo. If it could be arranged to send Paul off with a horn section fanfare, I'll volunteer.

Brad Neary

May 3, 2020

I had the privilege of making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Paul & Jody in December 2017/January 2018. While our time together was short, I was profoundly impacted by Paul in so many ways -- his love of God...his love for Jody...his kindness, compassion, patience and sense of humor. I look forward to the time when we can celebrate the life of this remarkable man at Epiphany Seattle. Until then, I wish Jody and all who loved Paul peace.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results