Raymond Paul Meyer Jr.

Raymond Paul Meyer, Jr. passed away on March 4, 2016. He will be remembered as a passionate, strong-willed man who loved traveling, reading, and the finer things in life. He was a collector of things big and small, including cars, books, and stamps. He was happiest when surrounded by family and friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents Raymond Paul Meyer I and Dorothy Meyer of Los Altos. He is survived by his wife Theresa Meyer, sisters Joan Meyer and Nancy Thomas, and brother Richard Meyer; children Raymond Paul Meyer III, Rodney Meyer, Tangi Chapman, Trisha Chachere, Troy Chachere; son-in-law John Chapman and daughter-in-law Jamie Meyer; and his eleven grandchildren Sam Meyer, Alexandra Meyer, Taylor Meyer, Lougan Meyer, Lucas Meyer, Finley Chapman, Mara Chapman, Robert Gonzalez, Dustin Freddie, Justice Chachere, and Anissa Chachere.

Born in Santa Cruz on February 12, 1941, Ray recently celebrated his 75th birthday with his family. His family settled in the South Bay Area in the late 40’s to run Meyer Electric (Appliance) in downtown Mountain View. Ray, his brother Richard, and partner Vernon Hostettler took over the family business in the 70’s. He nurtured his creative side by designing kitchens and baths at Kitchens by Meyer.

Ray attended Fremont High School in Sunnyvale and graduated in 1959; he was an All American swimmer. He boasted that in high school he held the land speed record for the drive from Los Gatos to Santa Cruz on Highway 17. After high school Ray joined the Air Force where he got his pilot’s license and learned meteorology. He spent his youth waterskiing with family and friends in lakes around California. The family spent many weekends out in the Delta on Quimby Island at the “Meyer dock.” Ray was most at home near the water. Ray and Theresa eventually built their dream home on Bethel Island. An avid traveler, Ray and Theresa had many adventures around the world. They built a vacation home in Cabo San Lucas, sailed across the Atlantic, adventured in Morocco, Greece, Italy, Asia, Turkey, and beyond.

Ray spent his final years battling pancreatic cancer. During this time he kept his outlook positive and developed a sense of humility and grace. There will be a celebration of life at the family home on Bethel Island, Wednesday March 9th. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the American Cancer Society.