Dennis Edward Meyer's Obituary
Dennis Edward Meyer is remembered as a loving family man and accomplished military member who served his country in the US Army. He passed away peacefully on November 16th, 2022 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease at the American Lake VA in Lakewood, Washington.
Born in Helena, Montana June 29th, 1943 to Francis and Edward Meyer, he was the eldest of four sons with brothers John, Mike and Bruce Meyer. As a high school student, he was an accomplished athlete in wrestling and football earning multiple state championships and an active member in the 4H program. His athleticism continued through college as he attended the University of Montana in the ROTC program and served the Grizzlies on their football and wrestling teams, winning many accolades.
In college Dennis met his wife, Molly McVey Meyer. The two were married on December 31st, 1966 in Helena, Montana before embarking on a 28 year military career. In the Army, Dennis rose in ranks to Colonel and was decorated with the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Army Commendation, National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, Legion of Merit and Humanitarian Services Medals. His military career spanned the globe as he served throughout Central America engaging in Special Forces civic action, completed a tour in the Vietnam War as an Army Medic and Guam for refugee assistance, worked on a hospital administration team in Germany, served in Washington State as both a Company Commander and Madigan Army Hospital Administrator, and ultimately worked in Washington DC as a member of the Health Care Reform team responsible for the creation Tri-Care for Life.
He was a man driven by love of family and commitment to achievement. While pursuing his military career, he also earned a Masters in Business at Puget Sound University. All this while building a family with his wife, Molly as they shared a son, Kirk Meyer and daughter, Jennifer Meyer. He exemplified dedication to work, family and community. At work, he was known as Colonel Meyer but in the community he was known as Coach Meyer as he served as soccer coach and golf coach to his children and community. Dennis was passionate about sports and put his whole heart into skiing, soccer and most of all, one of his greatest loves, golf.
In retired life, Dennis was a devoted grandfather to his four grandchildren and could be found clapping thunderously on the sidelines of all their events. From cheering on grandson Jacob Meyer at his soccer games, to coaxing granddaughter Taylor Meyer to swim, to teaching granddaughter Myra Siddiqi jitterbug dance twirls, to having countless snowball fights with his youngest granddaughter Lyla Siddiqi, he was a beloved grandfather and ultimate playmate to his grandchildren. Playful, loving and inspiring, Dennis Meyer touched so many hearts and was a cherished husband, father and grandfather. His family will be hosting a Celebration of Life Saturday, January 14th from 2:00 to 5:00 at the Oakbrook Country Club in Lakewood, Washington and in June of 2023 he will be inurned at the Fort Harrison in Helena, Montana.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease Research. https://secure2.convio.net/dpf/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app20068b?2180.donation=form1&df_id=2180&mfc_pref=T&NONCE_TOKEN=7F07F78C97410EF9A455FE1DEC92B981
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