Charles William (Bill) Meyer III

Bill passed away peacefully the morning of May 12, 2021 at his home in San Rafael, California after a long illness. His wife, Audrey, and two daughters, Monica and Alicia, were by his side. Bill spent the days preceding his passing surrounded by his parents, brothers and sisters-in-law who traveled to the Bay Area to see him. The Meyer family spent hours sharing much laughter, many stories, some tears, and their undying love and appreciation for each other during these last days, with Bill’s wry sense of humor very much in evidence throughout it all.

Bill was born Charles William Meyer III on February 19, 1960 in San Francisco, the eldest sibling to his three brothers and sister. The Meyers lived in San Francisco and on the peninsula until 1970 when the family moved to Kingston, New Hampshire. After graduating from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1978, Bill returned to California to attend college at UC Berkeley (Go Bears) where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Resource Studies in 1983. Bill went on to receive his Masters in Public Policy in 1985 from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He spent his career at the State of California’s Public Utilities Commission before retiring in 2014.

Bill met his beloved wife Audrey (nee Grant) while they were both undergraduates at Berkeley. They married on April 6, 1986 at St. Raphael Church in San Rafael starting their married life in San Francisco before settling in San Rafael where they raised their daughters.

In 1989, Bill was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a life-changing illness which eventually caused him to be wheelchair bound. Not only did Bill contend with unrelenting MS but, in 2011, he was diagnosed with lymphoma. Bill fought valiantly, exhibiting a unique combination of quiet tenacity, courage and extraordinary grace in the face of many physical challenges and medical setbacks. Despite thirty years of debilitating illness, Bill enjoyed life to the fullest with Audrey and their girls. After spending his childhood and early adulthood traveling the world with his parents and siblings, Bill and Audrey continued to travel with their girls overcoming the challenges his disability presented. Disneyland, cruises, Hawaii, Mendocino, attending his daughters’ college graduations and post-retirement “Daytrip Tuesdays” provided happy, carefree moments that have become lifelong memories for them all.

His family and friends also knew Bill as an aspiring gourmet, lover of a good political debate, Bay Area sports teams enthusiast and classic rock aficionado. Bill and his service dog and best friend, Helki, with whom he was matched through Canine Companions for Independence in 2010, loved their daily walks around their San Rafael neighborhood until her passing this past December. Bill’s life was rich and varied, filled with quiet moments, whirlwind adventures and loving companions, friends and family who joined him throughout his journey.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Audrey and their two daughters, Monica and Alicia; his parents, Ernestine (Tina) and Charles William (Bill) Meyer, Jr. of Kingston, NH, his three brothers and sister, Michael (Maureen), Andrew (Deborah), ChristiAn, and Matthew (Kirsten), as well as his beloved niece and nephews, aunt, and cousins. Bill was preceded in death by his grandparents, including his beloved Grandma, Nena Bonequi.

The family will be forever grateful to all of Bill’s caregivers, physical therapists, and nurses who gave us assistance and support over the years. A special thanks goes to caregivers Ana and Roger, PT Kim and nurse Jen from Sutter Care at Home and nurse Divina from Sutter Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canine Companions for Independence of Santa Rosa, CA.