Don Edward Meier, 82, of Reno, Nevada, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on July 23, 2018 at Renown Medical Center.
Don was born on July 2, 1936 in Whittier, California to Otto Meier and Iris Bensinger Meier. He graduated from Washington High School and continued on to receive his engineering degree at UCLA in January of 1963. Don earned his Professional Engineer certification in 1965 and was also elected to the Tao Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society. He received his MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno in December of 1977.
Don also served in the Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He worked for the Bell system for 31 years and was selected to attend Bell Labs to learn new technologies that were being developed during 1967-68. After retiring as District Manager for Nevada Bell, Don served as the Plant Engineer for the University of Nevada, Reno for 10 years.
Don was an extra class amateur radio operator and received his first license at the young age of 15. He was a volunteer member of the Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue team during the 1990’s and early 2000’s. He regularly donated blood to the local blood bank.
Don served as an officer of the Virginia Lakes Water Company and was treasurer of the Vintage Ford Club for many years. He was also a member of Kiwanis and sponsored the North Reno Kiwanis Car Show.
Don was involved with Special Olympics for several years. He was a long time member of Telephone Pioneers. Don was an avid fan of the outdoors and loved spending time at his cabin in the Virginia Lakes area of California. Don truly loved life and lived it to the fullest by travelling with Anne around the U.S. and abroad. He also loved Jeeping and participated in many Sierra Trek and Rubicon trips. Don was very generous with his time and known for his ability to make any needed repairs.
Don is survived by his loving spouse Anne, his two daughters, Barbara Bowen and Susan Stewart (Russ), Stepsons, Frank Whitemaine (Donna) and Mike Whitemaine (Judy), his 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and half-sisters, Ruth Collins (Al) and Alma Saenz (Walt) along with other family and friends. Don is preceded in death by his Mother Iris, Father Otto, and Stepfather, Frank Nachtweih. His presence on this earth will be truly missed by many but his memories will live on forever.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to the Nevada Humane Society, SPCA, and/or the Nevada Food Bank. The family of Don Meier wishes to thank the nurses and doctors from Renown Medical Center Emergency and ICU units.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later time.