It was a very sad day for me.Brian was my college roommate and sometimes workout partner. He was very important to me and helped with a very personal problem related to my daughter

I wrote this to Brian 17 years ago but failed to send it: Brian, in the early 80's, I joined a gym in Santa Ana, CA.  On my first day, you were sitting at the front desk and asked me if I needed any help.  I said I was a new member and was going to lift.  You said, " You look like you know what you're doing."  I was pleasantly surprised by the reception I received.  One day, my friend, Dave and you were in an animated discussion.  Dave was promoting the ideals of socialism and you were basically "taking him to school" on capitalism.  Dave seemed frustrated and I wanted to help him out.  But I held back, because I knew nothing of the subject beyond some amateur armchair philosophy. When you and Dave finished your conversation, I approached you and said something inane about socialism looking good on paper.  You, very politely recommended that I read Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead". I seem to recall that you actually lent me a copy of the book, which I took, but ended up buying my own copy and returning yours a few days later. I was completely captivated by the book and the concepts and ideals espoused by Ayn Rand.  I went on to read "Atlas Shrugged", "Anthem", and others. This was one of my first and most influential intellectual adventures.  It opened my mind and gave me confidence to succeed academically.  This was important to me as I lost my dad at the age of 16 and lacked direction and discipline.  With some work, some luck and support from other people, I decided to go back to school and ended up minoring in Philosophy and majoring in Psychology at UC Berkeley.  Today, I'm a 44 year old hospital administrator with a wife and four healthy children. If our brief interaction were any different, I might not have remembered you.  But the fact is, it happened at a pivotal time in my life and I am in a position here to recognize that fact and thank you through Gumba...a guy I met on the internet...who happens to train with you.
Thanks Brian. 
Tom Maher


I had the pleasure of meeting Brian at a networking group in Norco, RTR. He was one of those guys you meet and feel like you've known him forever! He had so many stories, he was always a pleasure to  talk with! He was so thorough in his work, I sure would not want to be on the other end of a case from him! Rest easy in the Lord's presence my brother!

I just found out that Brian has passed and it makes me very sad to hear.  Brian was the senior member of my Powerlifting Gym in OC for a few years in the late 90s.  I have fond memories of his mentorship, energy and the positivity he brought to the gym.  I grew up reading about him in powerlifting magazines and when I got the chance to compete alongside him and eventually earned the right to be a training partner of his- I truly felt honored.  RIP Brian, you will never be forgotten. 

Brian Meek...may you rest in peace.  I have not seen Brain for many years.  I met Brain when he opened Goliath’s Gym in Santa Ana, CA in early 1990’s.   I eventually was helping out at the gym and Brain was always supportive and generous as many have said.  Brain provided excellent advice in power lifting…best advice provided “bench, squat, dead lift”.  I want express condolences to Brian’s family as the best tribute I can provide is Brian was a great inspiration to me and I continue to use his advice…no bigger compliment can be said.

I am the youngest cousin of the 18 in the John H Bartter clan.  I am twenty years younger than Brian so I missed much of the 50's and early 60's family gatherings, I do recall from younger years looking forward to the few times Brian would visit Ohio and there would be a dinner.  Brian just seemed to always have a smile and positive energy!  Brian's Parents; Iris Constance Bartter and Warren Graham Meek where my family gems.   I grew up just a few miles from them and visited often.  Their travels to California and places of Brian's lifting meets generated photos and tales that were gold for a young man figuring out life.   Warren and Iris glowed with pride over Brian's life! - together now in peace :)

    Growing up the extended Bartter family fairly often got together for Sunday afternoon gatherings.   We cousins thought this was great. 
      Brian was a couple of years older than me.   Played football and basketball in high school.  Our family went one night to see him play a basketball game.
       Years later many of us and also our kids went to Columbus, Oh. to see him in a weightlifting competition.
        Brian will always be part of those family moment memories I have.
       God's Blessings to all of his closer family.  
                 Always, Marilyn Ruprecht

Met in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1964 or 65, at Case Western Reserve
University.  After leaving, I came back to California and later, after a
stint, Brian settled in San francisco near me, in Sacramento.  He
attended law school and continued weightlifting.  I was able to visit
now and then, until he moved to southern california.  I still
followed his competitions and he remained a force.  He brings back
so many memories, especially our stay in Ohio.  He made my experience there so memorable.  Will miss him.

Brian was my roommate in college at Western Reserve University. He was a terrific friend and roommate. I will never forget him and the influence he had on my life

Brian was my mentor in powerlifting. I was blessed to have had him in my corner. The knowledge that he gave me was worth it's weight in gold. Off the platform brian was a bundle of laughter. He could bring a smile to me even on the worst day. Generous man. I remember staying at one of his homes and being treated like royalty. I have missed the working out for a long time now. Rest in peace big guy. 










With deepest sympathy. 
May you the Family find peace in the days to come and in the loving thoughts are with you now.  We the “powerlifting community “will miss the Matlock of Powerlifting. !
May he Rest In Peace ! 
Amen

A real big guy with a great big heart and the strength of a modern day Hercules! So many great memories from big steaks and milkshakes to probably one of the largest award collections in the sport of Powerlifting. For the last time I’ll say, “Lift is good!” With love and great respect - Charles A. LaMantia

THIS IS PASTOR JOHN FROM LIVING TRUTH CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP IN CORONA. VERY SORRY TO HEAR THIS NEWS. BRIAN WAS VERY FAITHFUL IN ATTENDING OUR THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
 AWESOME BROTHER AND HE IS MISSED. OUR PRAYERS FOR HIS FAMILY.

My wife, Karen, and I were sorry to hear the news about Brian's death. We want to express our  condolocences to his family and let you know we offer prayers to you for your comfort. 

My wife and I were high school classmates of Brian and remember him fondly. He was always a wonderful guy. Fun to be around, jovial, a great story teller, scholar, and athlete. 

I had the honor of playing on our high school football team with Brian. He was our quarterback and as a tight end I was on the receiving end of a few of those passes.

The last time any of the guys from the football team saw Brian was a few years ago when he was back in Columbia Station, Ohio to inter both of his parent's remains in the home town cemetery. We made an effort to get as many of the guys there that were able. We had very good representation. Even though it was a somber occasion we appreciated the oportunity to see Brian. I believe he enjoyed the camaraderie as well. 

My wife and I and another classmate have updated the e-mail list of as many of our high school classmates as possible and have informed them of Brian's death. He was greatly appreciated by so many, both as a wonderful classmate and friend, and on those post graduation opportunitues to meet with him. 

I had a chance to visit him on a business trip I took to California about 20 years ago. We had a great time together eating at some wonderful restaurants, probably "tipping one or two" laughing and remembering "the old days". I also had an opportunity to take my son to one of Brian's championship weight lifting competitions. That was even longer than 20 years ago, but my son still remembers the occasion and how welcoming Brian was to him. 

Rest in peace our friend. It was a journey that ended too soon for those who have known you. 




I’m saddened to here about Brian’s passing. 
He was a great guy with a joyful spirit and a love for the lord. 
He will be missed. 
My condolences to his family. 

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Brian was always a person that I would look forward to seeing each week at our Christian Business Partners (CBP) meetings.  I will keep the memory of him always walking in with a book in his hands that he was reading at the time. The combination of wisdom and humor was something that was enjoyed by all of us in the group and will be missed. 
Philippians 3:20-21
But our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it, we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself.


Brian was  not what you would expect from an attorney. He was matter of fact and funny at the same time. He spoke of his friends  and family with great respect . Brian had the best stories about being an attorney.  I will miss him. The world lost someone special. May his memory be a blessing to all that knew him. I know it will be for me. God Bless to his friends and family. 

Brian was a regular at our Christian Business partners Meeting before the covid outbreak, we enjoyed his great sense of humor and  his firm grip of the law! He really helped me when I had an issue with a non profit group and he even called me after my meeting to see how it went!  he was a fun guy to spend time with and I personally enjoyed his company. he will be greatly missed! God Bless 

Brian and I shared many wonderful memories of our involvement in the sport of powerlifting. Brian was intrigued that I began back in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Our paths crossed many times as I moved from the competitive platform to announcing. He came to countless events and must have acquired roomfuls of trophies, best lifters and medals.

Oh my goodness, please, please do me a favor. Go to YouTube Mary Schneider – William Tell Overture. Cue this song up, picture, this behemoth of a man, walking up to an Olympic Bar loaded with 880 lbs. He would get such a charge out of this.

Brian and I were inducted into the USPA Hall of Fame in 2012 together. I will miss him.


Brian was part of our Christian business partners networking event for several years. He was a great contributor and we will sincerely miss him. We will be praying for your family

OBITUARY

Brian Russell Meek

3 March, 1946 – 1 December, 2020

Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Mortuary & Memorial Park

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