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Thomas Meixner Obituary

Thomas Meixner died on October 5, 2022, at the age of 52. He is remembered as a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, colleague and friend. He is predeceased by his grandparents, his mother, Elizabeth Regan Meixner, and his brother-in-law Michael Navarra.  He is survived by his father, Raymond Paul Meixner, and sisters, Anne (Mike RIP), Margaret, and Joan (Paul).  He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kathleen Cotter Meixner, and their sons Sean and Brendan.  He was adored by his mother-in-law, Jocelyn Cotter, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews. Thomas was born on July 29, 1970 in Huntington, NY, the youngest of four children, and grew up in Rockville, Maryland. Thomas was a deeply faith-filled and family oriented man. He was an Eagle Scout, and later served as the Scoutmaster in his sons' BSA Troop 115. He also served on the board of his local St. Cyril of Alexandria Parish, and lectored at Mass.  He was an avid gardener, and loved to hike and camp.  He was an expert skier, which was a Meixner family tradition growing up.      Thomas was a brilliant scientist, having earned his bachelor's degrees in History of Science and Soil and Water Conservation from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1992. He later went on to earn his doctorate in Hydrology and Water Resources at the University of Arizona in 1999. He worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of California Riverside from 1999 until 2004, but later was welcomed back by his alma mater, the University of Arizona, to join the Hydrology department in 2005. He became a full professor in 2015, and became department head of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences in 2019. He was an expert in water conservation and desert water issues, through the lens of biogeochemistry. Thomas will forever be loved and missed by so many who knew him. All services for Thomas will take place at St. Cyril of Alexandria Roman Catholic Church located at 4725 E. Pima St. in Tucson. Visitation: Thursday, October 13, 5 - 6 pm followed by a rosary and then an opportunity to share memories of Thomas. Funeral Mass of the Resurrection: Friday, October 14, 10:00 a.m, followed by burial at Holy Hope Cemetery, 3555 N. Oracle Rd. Tucson. In lieu of flowers please consider the following charities as a way to honor Thomas' legacy.      Thomas Meixner Memorial Fund: crowdfund.arizona.edu/meixner Thomas Meixner Water Management Project at St. Cyril Parish:   https://osvhub.com/st-cyril-of-alexandria-parish/giving/funds Cienega Watershed Partnership: www.cienega.org

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

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Oct. 11, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Meixner

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Barney Popkin

October 14, 2022

Thomas was a friend and colleague of mine for over 15 years. We´d take lunch together a few times a year at one of the cafes near UArizona, and meet at American Geophysical Union annual meetings in San Francisco. We´d discuss improving graduate student education, managed aquifer recharge, and seawater desalination. Earlier this year, I gave Thomas all of my cherished water and wastewater books and handbooks, including practical ones like the Missouri Water Well Handbook. I met Thomas when he and Dennis Schields brought me in from DC to talk at a hydrology and water resources collegium. On one of my return trips to Kabul where over a dozen foreigners were killed in an explosion near the US Embassy, I was staying with my sister-in-law in her Tucson pioneer vintage home. I couldn´t find the bathroom light, and shaved in the dark, cutting my face in several places. When Thomas saw me, he assumed I suffered in the Kabul attack. He gave me an office and appointment as a visiting researcher! Thomas was an energetic, kind, and generous man, well loved by his students and respected by his colleagues. His positive impact will be long lasting.

Pat Eisenberg

October 14, 2022

My deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Meixner. I knew him professionally, when he volunteered for the Citizens Water Advisory Committee, and appreciated the knowledge, generosity, and wit he brought to the committee. He was a wonderful person.

Chandra Whaley

October 14, 2022

Kathleen, Sean, Brendan, Meixner & Cotter Families,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking about you all and sending our love. Chandra Yeoman Whaley & Shawn Whaley

Ilene Grossman-Bailey

October 12, 2022

Dear Kathleen, Sean, and Brendan and family,
I knew Tom through the Canon National Parks science scholarship program and he made quite an impression with his boldness, outspokenness, and drive. He gave some great advice too. Tom was an outstanding scholar and a fine person. Words cannot express how shocked and sorry I am for your loss. Ilene Grossman-Bailey

Baike and Xiquan

October 12, 2022

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Hannah Wojciehowski

October 12, 2022

I admired Tom enormously, and I am grateful to have known him. Throughout his life, he worked for a greater good. In life and in death he provides an example to all of us. His legacy lives on in many people, especially his family.

Sybil and Rick Kinonen

October 11, 2022

Kathleen and Tom were a beacon of light to all of us who were close to the Cotter family. The Tucson community lost a great friend and leader. Rest in peace knowing that you will be greatly missed, Tom

Dr. Gregory Weiss

October 11, 2022

May his memory be eternal!

Richard M. Garber

October 11, 2022

God Bless you and your family. We are all with you in this time of remembering and healing together.

Mathew Rabin

October 11, 2022

Tragic news. Sincere condolences to the Meixner family and the UA community.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

College of Science

Planted Trees

Kelly Grimm

October 11, 2022

It was an honor to work with Tom and a privilege to know him. I will never forget his kindness, his passion, and his sense of humor. Rest in peace my friend and colleague.

Laurel Lacher

October 11, 2022

I remember meeting Tom as a fellow grad student back in 1995. He quickly became a sunny, smiley feature in HWR and we all held our collective breath when he fell ill with leukemia. His strength in overcoming that challenge took him to great heights in his professional career. Once he returned to UA as a professor, we remained in touch as if no time had passed. He always had time for me, just like he did for anyone who requested his help or input. He leaves an enormous hole in this world and thousands of us will miss him terribly.

Theresa Farrell

October 10, 2022

My memory was of Tom at St Andrew's Newman Center. Kathleen sang in the choir and Tom was always a calm presence. He helped my son with his homework. I will always remember Tom and Kathleen for their kindness and generous spirit.

Misha Chertkov

October 10, 2022

My memories of Tom are vivid but short. We had a lunch once in 2019 (pre-covid, when I just joined UA) - discussing collaboration plans between his department and my program (applied math). Met regularly at the College of Science heads and directors meetings and retreats. His smile was infectious. Fast thinking was impressive. We will miss you, Tom!

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Memorial Events
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Oct

13

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

St. Cyril of Alexandria Roman Catholic Church

4725 East Pima Street, Tucson, AZ

Funeral services provided by:

Bring's Broadway Chapel - Tucson

6910 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85710

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