Alvin Henry Meyer

Alvin Henry Meyer, a life long resident of Tigard, passed away on May 7, 2014 at the age of 94. Recently preceded in death by Ingrid Carlson, wife of 66 years, he is survived by his five children (spouses): Marshall (Dana), Lloyd (Marie), Douglas (Jacque), Dennis (Janet) and Gayle (Michael); and 11 grandchildren (Eryn, Allison, Justin, Ryan, Nataly, Robin, Hannah, Adrian, Briana, Kristopher and Eric) who, when young, affectionately took turns sitting in his lap while he rocked in his favorite chair.

Al was born on the family farm in Tigard on July 27th, 1919. He was the son of Otto and Josephine Meyer. Otto, who along with his brother arrived in Oregon as settlers in the late 19th century, purchased farm property off of Beef Bend Road. One of eight children, Al spent his childhood working the farm and going to school at the one room school house still standing just a short uphill walk from the farm. He went on to graduate from Tigard High School.

Al served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII and regaled anyone who would listen with stories of working as a plane engine mechanic, first at several bases across the country and later in the South Pacific. In his last years, he was never seen outside of the house without his prized Air Force cap, unless he was wearing one of his University of Oregon Ducks hats. He was at his happiest moment just days prior to his death, when he spent an afternoon at the Hillsboro Airport walking around a restored version of the B-17 bomber – the type of plane that he maintained during his 4 years in the service. He was amazed and honored to receive many congratulatory handshakes and thank you’s from other visitors to the air field that day.

He spent his career as a union member and public employee of the Oregon State Highway Division, ending his career as the maintenance supervisor for the North Portland District. His children remember his many summers on the paving crew, nighttime calls when winter snow and ice storms arrived, cleaning up spilled semi truck loads, and mostly the annual highway department summer picnics at Benson State Park on the Columbia Gorge. After retirement, he looked forward to attending the “Highway Boys” lunches where he kept in touch with his lifetime friends and colleagues.

His children and grandchildren associated dad and grandpa with his garden at the family house and at his farm on Beef Bend Road. Apples, peaches, plums, raspberries, blackberries, figs, strawberries, corn, beans and of course his favorite red beets and much more. Al and Ingrid froze, canned and cooked meals with the produce throughout their life together. Both were able to live in their home in Tigard for more than 60 years. They spent many years of retirement traveling and camping in their trailer at destinations throughout the United States and especially enjoyed many winters in Arizona.

They were founding members of Christ the King Lutheran Church on Bull Mountain Road where a memorial service is planned for Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 11 a.m. to celebrate his life, family and friends. A reception will follow at the church. A cemetery service will follow at 3 p.m. at Willamette National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the church.

Arrangements under the direction of Young's Funeral Home, Tigard, OR.