John G. VanMeter

John G. (Jack) VanMeter passed away on May 26, 2013. He was born March 18, 1924, in Fresno, California to John and Vera VanMeter. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Dr. Richard VanMeter. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty, whom he first met in the 9th grade. Other survivors are sons, Jim (Candy), Ken (Aimee), and daughter Karen Romito (Steve) as well as four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two nieces.

He graduated from Fresno High School and enrolled at CSUF, where he joined Theta Chi fraternity. His education was interrupted when he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served in Edmonton, Canada, and training schools in the U.S. He returned to CSUF, and then transferred to Stanford University where he graduated with a degree in electrical power engineering.

During his career as a licensed professional engineer, he worked for various companies, including Westinghouse Electric, Calaveras Cement, Riverside/American Cement, and Homan & Lawrence Engineering. As an engineer, he worked on construction projects throughout the U.S. and internationally. In 1980, he joined Lee & Pierce Engineering in Salinas as a partner, where he enjoyed being involved in and became well respected for finding electrical solutions for various firms, especially those in the agricultural processing industry.

Jack gave much of himself to the greater good of the communities he touched. His life was characterized by his wisdom, integrity, decency and compassion. He was respected and loved by those who knew him. He endured extreme challenges with grace and dignity. He was devoted to living his life with purpose and excellence and appreciated the richness of all that life offered.

Jack was a kind and gentle man who was respected and admired by family, friends, and professional associates. Always looking for ways to serve, he was on the Del Monte Forest Association Board when they lived in Pebble Beach and chaired the Residents’ Committee when they lived at Park Lane.

Jack was very much involved with Troop 212 in Moraga as their sons earned their Eagle Scout awards. He enjoyed golfing and loved sailing the Joint Venture (V-24), especially in races on San Francisco Bay. He and Betty enjoyed trips to South and Central America, Mexico, most European and Scandinavian countries, as well as Australia, New Zealand, and China. He was a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and of Masonic Lodge #634.

At his request, no services will be held. The family plans a private gathering later.