John Meek Memorial Fund for Gender & Healthcare Equality

John Meek was my best friend, my confidante, and the love of my life. I always expected to lose him before me since he was 7 years (OK 6.5 years) older than me. But I certainly didn't expect to lose him on February 23, 2025 at 54.

John was larger than life. It didn't matter whether we were at home and he was smoking meats in the way only a Texan could, going to Seahawk games, overlanding in the Cayenne (yes, a Porsche, it is possible!) or camping on the trailer, he made life so much better.

He cared more than anyone I have ever known. If there was a stranded motorist, he was the one rolling the car off to the side of the road. He would give a fellow camper diesel to keep their heater running overnight, running out of diesel himself. Or, he would drop everything and come to my aid if I needed it. His family has told me that John changed when he came to Seattle and when we met. His smile was bigger, his eyes were brighter and he was the happiest he had ever been. As we drove over Lake Washington, with Mount Rainier in the distance, he would say he couldn't believe he lived here. I am fourth generation Seattle, so I saw our home through new eyes, and it was amazing. I'm sure this happiness was a combination of his love for Washington, and his love for me, but I am so thankful that he was able to experience it before he died way too soon.

As an educator, I focus on equity and accessibility in the classroom. Many deep, philosophical conversations happened over morning coffee. John always said there was no warming up for me in the morning. I was off if it mattered to me, and he kept up. John was a family man who took care of everyone around him. He was concerned about his daughter staying in Texas, knowing she could have a better life in Seattle. I remember when he decided it was happening. He told me he couldn't be Switzerland anymore and needed to take sides - get her up here.

Well, his daughter is the best gift he could have ever given me. While I am absolutely crushed that John left me entirely too soon, I see a silver lining (as I always seem to do) to all of this, which is that John's love, support, and commitment brought me more happiness than I could imagine. He gave his daughter the most amazing life he could and he brought us together. I am forever grateful.

As Juliette and I talked about how we want to honor John, we created this memorial fund to support what he cared most about. Any funds collected here will support the following not-for-profits.

Planned Parenthood

Point of Pride

The Trevor Project

I have linked to each organization if you prefer to contribute directly to them. Any donations you make through our fund will be contributed to these organizations under the name "The John Meek Memorial Fund for Gender and Healthcare Equality."

We will continue collecting donations until his memorial (TBD) and will donate to the organizations shortly after that.