Neil N. Myers

Neil N. Myers, who led a full and enriching life until the age of 95, departed earlier this week to be with his beloved Lorna. Neil was born in Philadelphia, PA and grew up in Plainfield, NJ. From there he went on to college, receiving degrees from the University of Wisconsin and Harvard University. Neil taught creative writing and poetry at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana from 1961 until his retirement in 1995.

Neil was a talented poet whose work appeared in national magazines and who authored several volumes of poetry. His books, including one published by Purdue University Press and another by a small press in Northern California, often resulted from collaborations with lifelong friends such as artist Tony Vevers and poet Lee Perron.

A dedicated Zen practitioner, Neil drew strength and inspiration from Zen Buddhism, spending many retreats at the Sonoma Mountain Zen Center and maintaining a deep connection with the center into his nineties. His thoughts and experiences from Zen practice are documented in journals available online.

Neil and Lorna shared a passion for the performing arts. During their years at Purdue University, they attended nearly every classical music performance in the community. Later, after retiring to Santa Rosa, CA and then Cleveland, OH, they became devoted supporters of the Santa Rosa Symphony and the Cleveland Orchestra.

A lifelong wordsmith, Neil was quick-witted, often sharing jokes, anecdotes, and shaggy dog stories. He loved to laugh and enjoyed making others laugh, delighting in impersonations of Groucho Marx and reminiscing about advertising jingles from his youth. He had a deep love for history and a humble spirit. He was a loving and immeasurably beloved father and grandfather.

Neil was a devoted father to Rachel (Timothy Moore) Myers Moore and Julie (Richard King) Myers King, and a proud grandfather to Isaac Moore, Charlie, and Amelia King. He was predeceased by his wife, Lorna; his brother Ronald Myers; and his sister, Linda Myers Martin.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 24th at 10:00 a.m. at Congregation Mishkan Or, 26000 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, OH. To view this service, go to www.mishkanor.org and click on the Live Stream link at the top of the page. Interment will follow at Lake View Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. Please meet at the Mayfield Road Gate.

A gathering to celebrate Neil’s life will take place on Sunday, August 30th, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the home of Julie and Richard King, 2774 Derbyshire Road, Cleveland Heights.

In Neil’s memory, donations may be made to Congregation Mishkan Or (www.mishkanor.org) or the Sonoma Mountain Zen Center (www.smzc.org)