Obituary of Dr. John Meek

Dr. John C. Meek, 81, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his daughters, on Sunday April 14, 2013. Born in Afton, NY on June 12, 1931, he was the son of Hiram A. and Shirley A. (Stilson) Meek. John was the youngest of six siblings, H. Gerald, George, Frances (Brizzee), Stanley and Margaret (Strong), all of whom predeceased him. A graduate of Deposit High School, John continued his education at Cornell University, earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1955. While at Cornell, John joined the Alpha Zeta Fraternity, and as a member of ROTC, was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant. He worked his way through college as a waiter in the Catskills during the summers. Doc moved to Greenwich following his graduation where he lived with his brother and sister-in-law, Stanley and Catherine Meek. John began his veterinary practice from the back room of their apartment. John also sang in the choir of the Centenary United Methodist Church. He later met and married Nancy Lee Hall and they established a home and his practice in Greenwich. An active member in good standing of Ashlar Lodge #584 for 55 years, John achieved the rank of Master Mason in 2008. In addition to his private practice, John worked as a state employee of NYRA as the veterinarian at Saratoga Harness Track for many years. Doc Meek also served as primary veterinarian at Miller’s Livestock Market, which he later purchased with several partners. On his 62nd birthday, Doc walked away from his veterinary practice, saying “I’m retired”. After vacationing for an extended period in Florida, John and Nancy bought a home in Boynton Beach, establishing dual residency. In the summer months, John tended his garden, watched his grandchildren play sports and attended the races in Saratoga. During the winter he played cards with friends and continued his lifelong love of reading. He enjoyed traveling and taking in the sights and activities. He greatly appreciated the countryside and took long rides with Nancy and his daughters. Nancy predeceased John on May 2nd, 2010 after more than 50 years of marriage. John is survived by his daughters, Vicki Jo Meek of Rochester, NY, Tami Frances Meek of Loudonville, Heidi Lee Meek of Cambridge and Cindi Lu (Robert) Barnes and their children, John, Olivia and Robert Barnes of Greenwich and grand-daughter Sarah Meek-Burola of Albany. The family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Rodney Ying and his office staff, and family friends, Mary Butch and Maureen Clifford for their assistance in assuring John’s comfortable transition. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20th at 2 PM at the Centenary United Methodist Church on 22 Church Street in Greenwich. Beverages and dessert will be served following the service to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greenwich Free Library and the Easton-Greenwich Rescue Squad. The family will be having a private internment of his cremains in the Woodlands Cemetery in Cambridge.