Richard Howard Meyer was born on November 12, 1932 in Sheboygan, the son of Charles J. and Rose (Shapiro) Meyer. Richard is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Jo; two granddaughters, Cameron Rose (Camden Sikes) and Isabel Sloan and a nephew, CJ. Richard cherished his wide circle of friends and considered his friends, Carol and Bruce Grover to be family. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jay Allen and his brother, Robert.
Richard lived the majority of his life in Sheboygan. He graduated from Grant School and North High. He received his BA degree in retailing from Washington University in St. Louis. Richard was extremely proud of his accomplishments at Washington University including having graduated first in his class, being elected to national scholastic honor societies and serving as treasurer and president of his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu.
Upon graduation, Richard served two years in the Army with the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY. Upon completion of his service, Richard joined his mother and brother in operations People’s, Inc., a women’s clothing store located in downtown Sheboygan. Robert and Richard were partners in business for nearly 35 years. In 1991, when Robert retired, the store was closed. Richard then embarked on a new career as the manager of the Harbor Centre Business Improvement District. Richard always maintained that timing in life was everything and that he was fortunate to get the position at the time that he did. Managing the BID allowed him to combine his passion for business, Sheboygan, and mentoring new business owners as they became established in the city. Over his tenure in the position, he was able to increase private investment in the city and significantly decrease first floor business vacancies.
Richard’s commitment to the city was also expressed through his involvement in numerous boards and organizations including the Sheboygan Retirement Home, Sheboygan Chamber of Commerce, Pine Hills Country Club (president from 1986-1989), Sheboygan Theater, Sheboygan Development Corporation and Above & Beyond Board of Trustees.
Richard loved playing golf. He was part of the infamous foursome that included Rex Spiller, Wayne Rindt, and Frank Maury and was proud to have shot two holes-in-one and had a single digit handicap, both of which were life-long goals. He loved music and secured front row tickets at Carnegie Hall whenever Frank Sinatra held a concert.
But Richard’s greatest joy (and greatest accomplishment) in life was in his role as a grandfather to Cameron and Isabel. Lovingly known as “Grandpa Rock,” he did not miss a grandparent’s day at their school or any key performance or event. He will always be remembered as having defined what it means to be a loving, proud, and devoted grandfather.
We would like to acknowledge and thank his two dear friends, Wayne Sather and Vern Baus for all the ways they supported him during the last years of his life. Their presence, conversation, care, generosity and kindness meant everything to him and we are grateful to both of them.
In lieu of flowers, Richard requested that donations be made to either Above & Beyond Children’s Museum (Sheboygan) or the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN).
Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center is serving the family and you are welcome to send an online condolence to the family at www.ballhornchapels.com
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