In Memory . . . Guy Wheeler Meyer
 (1914-2009)

The Reverend Guy Wheeler Meyer died in his sleep on February 22, 2009.  He was 94. Rev. Meyer was born in Malden, MA, on December 19, 1914 to Harold Alton Meyer and Ethel C. Wheeler Meyer.  He attended Harvard College at the age of 16 then transferred to the University of Chicago and graduated with a degree in Political Science in 1940.  He also attended Meadville Theological School and he studied economics at the New School for Social Research. 

Ordained in 1942 at the First Universalist Church in Stockton, Illinois, Rev. Meyer served that congregation for several years then worked in a variety of fields before returning to parish ministry.  He was an early member of the Socialist Party and worked as an organizer for the Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union in New York.  He promoted a newspaper, sold health insurance and, after moving with his family to Round Pond, Maine, he opened a photography studio.  A conscientious objector during World War II, Rev. Meyer served on a Liberty Ship with the Merchant Marines after the War. 

In 1958, Rev. Meyer returned to active ministry answering a call from the First Universalist Church of Burrillville in Harrisville, Rhode Island (1958 – 1961.)  He then served the First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Arlington, Massachusetts (1961 – 1963), and First Parish Unitarian Universalist in Saugus, Massachusetts (1963 – 1964).  Rev. Meyer moved to the Unitarian Church in Newburgh, New York (1964 – 1968).  While there he crossed paths with Pete Seeger, Father Daniel Berrigan, and other distinguished leaders in the national peace movement and he was an active voice against war and for race conciliation in the Hudson River Valley.

After moving to California, Rev. Meyer hosted The Power of Love, a radio program on KWMR in Point Reyes Station that featured people from all walks of life, including Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations Robert Muller.

From the time he was a young man, Rev. Meyer dedicated his life to delivering a message of world peace.  His son, Roger Meyer, says “he took the lessons of World War I and Gandhi to heart.  He believed in a world without borders, a ‘New World’ as he described it, whose allegiance is to humankind.”  His daughter, Genie, adds “he is remembered for his kind, generous, and mirthful exuberance, a love for sailing, and a life-long commitment to world peace.”

Rev. Meyer is survived by his partner of 34 years, Joyce Greenwood of Inverness, California; his former wife, Verne M. Bell of Newburgh, New York; and his children, Satya Doerksen of Surrey, British Columbia; Lynn Meyer of Friendship, Maine; Guy Meyer Jr. of San Anselmo, California; Jill Meyer of Round Pond, Maine; Genie Harden of Eugene, Oregon; and Roger Meyer of New York, New York.  Additionally there are 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.  His son, Odell Brown, died previously.

A celebration of Rev. Meyer’s life was held on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at the Point Reyes Dance Palace in Point Reyes Station, CA.  Please send messages of condolence to Joyce Greenwood, P O Box 568, Inverness, CA 94937.

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