Wayne R. Meek

Wayne Meek passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011 at the Madrone Hospice House in Yreka. Wayne passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Wayne was born on Sept. 25, 1928 to Gerald and Marvel Meek at the family homestead in Cram Gulch near Yreka. He was delivered by his grandmother Alice Meek, a well-known midwife. He attended grammar school in Quartz Valley and graduated from Etna Union High School. He enlisted in the Air Force in April of 1948 and attained the grade of staff sergeant. After basic training he was stationed at Castle Air Force Base in Merced, Calif. On April 27, 1951, he and Mary Young, his high school sweetheart, were married in Gardnerville, Nev. They lived in Merced until his honorable discharge from the Air Force in May of 1952. Moving back to Scott Valley after he left the service, Wayne went to work in the logging industry. While working for Erling Hjertager as a cat skinner, he was promoted to foreman. He had a talent for leadership and ran logging sides for Lee Simonson Logging of Smith River, Calif. and finished his logging career running a side for Ralph Franklin Logging. Ralph and Wayne were lifelong friends working together and enjoyed fishing and hunting whenever time permitted. Along with the logging jobs, Wayne also ranched. Wayne loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He built a fish pond and enjoyed watching the fish, deer, birds and other wildlife around his home. He built bird houses and placed them around his home. He was a story teller and was also known for colorful nicknames he would give to those around him. Wayne is survived by his wife of 60 years Mary; two daughters Connie and her husband Don Groves of Etna and Cheryl White of Tulelake; his grandson Wayne White and his wife Tiffany of Etna; and his brothers Frank (Tike) Meek of Etna, George Meek of Yreka and Don Meek of Etna. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Irving (Bud) Meek, his sisters Ruth Middleton and Arleen (Babe) Meek, and his beloved grandson Bryan Hansen. Graveside services will be held in the Etna Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at 1 p.m., followed by a potluck at the home of Don and Connie Groves, 5601 Heartstrand Gulch Road. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Madrone Hospice or the American Cancer Society.Girdner Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Wayne R. Meek

September 25, 1928 - September 13, 2011