Hellmut Lawrence Meyer

Hellmut Lawrence Meyer (Gib) 87, of Marina, passed away in peace Monday evening at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, surrounded by family and close friends. He had successfully battled many injuries and illnesses over the course of his active life, but on this day his body said no more.

Born in Nordhausen Germany in 1930, Gib, and his parents emigrated in 1938 to the Philippines, where he attended grade and high school and learned the local dialect, Tagalog, as well as English, where his father became physician to the President, Elpidio Quirino. Mr. Meyer, longing for travel, came to America and enrolled in the University of Colorado seeking a degree in Journalism. He studied for three years, serving as a sports writer for the paper and editor of the yearbook, but left before graduation, deciding instead to enlist in the US Army and pursue a military career.

He attended basic training at Fort Ord in 1953, and quickly rose to the rank of SFC where his leadership skills were recognized, and he was encouraged to become an officer. Upon receipt of his commission, Lt. Meyer was stationed in Fort Richardson, Alaska, where he met the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Donna. They married in July, 1957 and gave birth to their first child, Kathy. Their second child Mark (wife Tricia), was born during a tour in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After returning to Berlin, Germany for a 3 year assignment, Major Meyer was transferred to Vietnam for duty, finally returning to the Monterey Bay for his final posting at Ford Ord. Gib is also survived by three grandsons; Jason (Crystal), Grant (Michelle) and Kenneth; and a great grandson, Gibson.

Following a rich and meritorious 21 year military career, Lt. Colonel Meyer chose to stay local to his last posting at Fort Ord, retiring to Marina, where he began a 2nd career in civil service and also found a long term love of volunteering as a multi-language tour guide and docent for the Monterey Bay Aquarium for 18 years.

Gib’s retirement from work provided additional time for the active pursuit of lifelong hobbies and skills he’d acquired including writing, poetry, an affinity for classical music, photography a stint at SCUBA, and teaching all who would listen to play poker. His zest for life and engaging story-telling, paired with an incredible memory for jokes, endeared him to any, and all, who met him.

The legacy of strength, love and family that Gib left, will be carried on for generations through the four grandsons that he absolutely adored.

A celebration of life will be held in the future, In lieu of flowers, consider donating to a charity of your choice in his name.