Obituary of Gary Irvin Meier

Gary Meier, Duluth, passed away at home with his wife, Darla, by his side, on November 20, 2023, their 50th wedding anniversary. Born on March 12, 1945, Gary grew up in Weston, Oregon. In 1963 he made the basketball team of the Oregon Ducks in a walk-on tryout. The Ducks were a lifelong passion and whenever he could see a game on TV, he “ducked up” by wearing Ducks apparel for luck.

Gary served in the Air Force from 1967-1973, He spent a year in Viet Nam where he was exposed to Agent Orange which eventually caused his death from multiple myeloma. He received a Purple Heart and Air Force Commendation Medal for his service.

In 1972, Gary was transferred to the Duluth Air Force Base and soon after met Darla Sandvik. They wed on November 20, 1973, and were fortunate to have 50 loving years together. He always said that he loved his wife, his dogs, and fly fishing, in that order. He pursued the wily trout during trips out West and even so far as New Zealand. His favorite place to fish was in the Driftless Area of Minnesota and he spent countless hours on the streams there.   For many years, Gary sang baritone in the DSSO chorus and enjoyed performing in some of the early opera productions.

An outgoing man, he enjoyed meeting and talking with people, spending his working career in Human Resources. Gary had strong opinions and was actively involved in conservation organizations and Minnesota politics.

Predeceased by his parents Thelma and Irvin Meier, he is survived by his sister Sheri Rahn (Randy Rahn) of Hillsboro, Oregon, niece Fawn (Caleb) Pumphrey, and nephew Thad (Jessica) Rahn.

Gary is also survived by his wife, Darla and Corgis, Tally and Lulu who will miss him every hour of every day.

Gary has chosen to have no funeral service, but would be pleased and proud if friends made donations to Minnesota Trout Unlimited, P.O. Box 845,Chanhassen, MN 55317.