My dear father's obituary.

 

Arthur L. (Larry) Meaker, 88, of Westport NY and El Mirage AZ, passed away peacefully in El Mirage, AZ, with family by his side on February 28, 2021. Larry was born the eldest of three children to Arthur Leslie and Margaret Lynch Meaker on September 5, 1932. He attended Cornell University where he met the love of his life, Gayle Marie Pratt. He went on to graduate from Cornell in 1954 and completed his military service in the 76^th Field Artillery in the U. S. Army and was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. After his service to our country, he returned to Syracuse and attended Syracuse University where he completed his MS degree in Education. He went on to teach at Levy Junior High and Nottingham High School in the Syracuse School system. He relocated the family to Westport, NY in 1964. Together he and Gayle raised five children while Larry taught high school mathematics including all 5 of his children for 4 years.  He retired in June 1985.  In addition to teaching, he was instrumental in Westport High School Athletics, including Girls’ Basketball, Girls’ Soccer, Varsity Track, and Varsity Golf. He was able to coach his three younger children at Westport.  Larry was also instrumental in student guidance while serving as the school Guidance Counselor and the Honor Society Program, where he planned annual trips and drove the bus for many years.

Throughout his life, Larry was an avid golfer and even had 5 holes-in-1 over the years.  But the things he will be most remembered for are:

Referring to his students as “his kids” while keeping records on each throughout their high school career.  Many students/athletes recall him as their favorite or most influential teacher/coach for his dedication, motivation and all-around care for their success.

Playing cards, either solitaire or ‘manipulated’ bridge hands (by himself) early in the morning.

Keeping meticulous records of his trips, both before and after retirement, including miles, expenses, time and stops/destinations.

The extra mile he went to for the students, including Saturday morning SAT prep, math regents prep classes at night and weekends, free period/afterschool tutoring (remember the ‘see-mes’) and driving the school bus for his teams and honor society trips.

One of Larry’s last requests was for some ice cream… “Life is like ice cream, enjoy it before it melts” - Unknown

Larry is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Gayle, and his children, James (his wife, Carol) of Elizabethtown, NY, Donald of Tucson, AZ, Margaret (Wendy) Moore of Middlebury, VT, Thomas (his wife, Lisa) of Big Canoe, GA, and Douglas (his wife, Mary) of Beavercreek, OH. He also leaves behind 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Services will be held at a later date in Westport, NY at the convenience of the family.

Donations in his name can be made to the Westport Emergency Squad or the Westport Federated Church.