Russell Charles Meyer

Despite the fact my father was a VERY opinionated man he always held true to his morals. Even in the darkest of times his intentions were always admirable. He carried the weight of the world on his shoulders after my mother’s passing and lived in a “depressed” state missing her every day. However, he carried on making the most of every day and providing support to his family. He would take the shirt off his shoulders to make sure we had what we needed. I don’t think there is any way to love more than that.

To my father’s accomplishments I would like to note he was a leader of the JCs during his younger years, he was the youth ministries director at church, he was on parish counsel at church, he ministered to those in Woodstock Nursing Home before he became disabled, he was on the board of directors at Memorial North West swim and racquet club taking a failing swim team to one of the best in the city, he was a top salesmen at the highlight of his career, he was a soccer coach for years helping us children excel in the sport, and he was a loving father to 4 and grandfather to 2. He LOVED his fishing on Lake Michigan, golfing with friends (remember the hole in ones?), and above all in the end he loved playing bridge. To those that shared in these experiences know you were part of the best of him!

In my very special times with my father over the last few years I had with him---I call them coffee talks---I was able to learn more about my father’s upbringing, views on the world, and most importantly what he wanted for his family to caring on. In his own special way he knew he did not have long although his ending came abruptly. I cherish these times and am most grateful that I was able share them with my father. I know how much family meant to him simply by the way he would speak of all the wonderful things we did AS a family. He remembered everything as if it were yesterday all the way back from the time he was 7 (some of the first memories he shared) up until my mother’s passing because those were his favorite moments in life.

One of the most WONDERFUL memories I will carry on is the hours we had before his death. The hospital was able to get him aroused enough for us children to share in his last few hours. He was aware he was making the choice NOT to live on machines but to rather end his life naturally. He was able to pass on his hopes and dreams for each of us children and share in prayer with the Chaplin. We shared a final meal together, laughed together, and talked about some memorable experiences during these final hours. In the end I had one final talk with him about God. I shared with him that he had carried his faith in God from the time he was a little boy and that faith will carry on with him to the end….his final coherent word to me was “OKAY”. He trusted in his faith. He went peacefully and quickly without pain or distress. It was one of the most beautiful ways to go. He had God on his side.

My only hopes are that many can learn from his death, as his early departure could have been prevented. My father suffered for years from undiagnosed sleep apnea. His sleep apnea lead to full blown lung disease, which ended his life. If you feel you suffer from sleep apnea know it is a condition that leads to so many other health problems and needs attention!

In the end I am glad for one thing…he is out of the “hell” he was living in. The pressures of the crappy life in pain he had in the end are now off his shoulders. He deserves to be at home with my mom, as he missed her so much…I hope and pray he is at peace together with her again!

Thank you in sharing in my father’s life. I hope and pray you have many good memories of him and are able to move forward knowing your presence was truly appreciated.