Charles Richard Meyer
May 11, 1944 - January 26, 2007
Obituary
C. Richard Meyer FAIA
Captain USNR Ret.
To our sorrow, C. Richard “Rick” Meyer, left this life Friday, January 26, at the young age of 62.
Rick was born in Schenectady, NY on May 11, 1944 to Charles F. and Alice L. Meyer. He spent his childhood in New Mexico and Arizona finally moving to Los Altos, CA where he graduated from high school. He attended UC Berkeley where he obtained a degree in Architecture. During that time he met his loving wife, Peggy H. Anderson, and they were married on July 15, 1967 in Sausalito, CA. In 1968, he received a commission in the US Navy serving 3 years at the Naval Communications Station in Yokosuka, Japan. He continued as a Naval reserve officer for 23 years in Seattle and retired as a Captain serving as the Commanding Officer for the Naval Control of Shipping unit.
He and Peggy came to the Pacific Northwest in 1972 for Rick’s post-graduate studies at the University of Washington, and they lived in the Seattle area for the next 35 years.
In 1976 Rick joined Callison Architecture retiring 30 years later as Principal-in-Charge of Callison’s Program Management, overseeing the firm’s Quality Assurance and Risk Management programs. He traveled extensively for the firm working with clients in Korea, Brazil and India among other places. He was founder and supporting member of the UW College of Architecture and Urban Planning Professionals Advisory Council where he helped initiate the model Student Practicum Program in Architecture that has become one of the leading practice oriented programs of its type in the nation. He served as Chair of the AIA National Risk Management Committee and was President of the Seattle Chapter of the AIA. In 2000, he was inducted into the AIA College of Fellows in recognition of the significance of his achievements to advance the profession in the area of design practice.
Rick was a man of wide interests and he truly never wasted a minute of his life. He was a builder, craftsman, and wood worker and loved art and music. He had vision, imagination, boundless energy and curiosity: a true life-long learner. He guided his family in building a timber frame cabin from the ground up–through clearing the land to shingling to roof. He and Peggy enjoyed traveling the world together. Above anything he may have accomplished he was most proud of his children, son Chris and daughter Sharlyn; his son-in-law Jon Engstrom; and the joy of his life, granddaughter Isabelle Engstrom.
Rick also leaves behind his mother Alice; brother Lee Meyer Linda of Snohomish; sister Barbara Meyer of Lake Stevens; and a much-loved extended family.
Rick’s family would like to thank Dr. Sam Whiting and his team at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for compassionate care and guidance this last year.
A Celebration of Rick’s life will be held at the Bonney-Watson Parker Chapel, 900 SW 146th St. in Burien, WA 206 244-2320 on Thursday, February 1, 2007 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers remembrances can be sent to the University of Washington Foundation for the UW Rome Program in memory of Rick Meyer: UW Foundation 1200 5th Ave. Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98101.
Peggy,
My thoughts are with you and your children.
Rick was my first Project Manager at Callison and I will always remember how great it was to work for him. He was always very helpful and caring. You are lucky to have been with him for so many years. We will all miss him dearly.
May God Bless, Mike Creighton
Peggy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. His was truly a life well lived.
Rick was a fine professional and a wonderful person who will be missed by many. My deepest sympathies and prayers to his family.
I’m so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I worked with him on many projects and in many capacities at Callison, and learned a tremendous amount from him. He freely shared his knowledge and conducted all aspects of his business with calm professionalism and integrity. But one of the things I appreciated and enjoyed most about Rick was his wry sense of humor.
Our deepest condolences. It was a pleasure to have known Rick. His warm smile and welcoming conversation was ever present. Our hearts are with the Meyer Family today as you celebrate his wonderful life. Blessings to you all!
My life is so much richer having known Rick. He was such a great listener, so thoughtful and truly a wonderful generous person.
Peggy my sincere sympathies. Rick was so proud of his children. I always enjoyed working with Rick and after I left Callison he always went out of his way to come and talk to me on the 13th Floor and ask about my son.
Peggy,
I am so sad to hear of Rick’s passing. I truly enjoyed working with Rick through the many years at Callison.
He was so capable yet compassionate and always made time for his friends and co workers.
When I left the firm, I will always remember Rick invited me to lunch and sincerely wishing me good luck and a fond farewell.
He was very special and will be missed.
Rick, you will be missed by a great many. The world was a better place with you having lived.