November 27, 2010
Oct. 27, 1935 – Oct. 18, 2010
Ronald Gene Meacham, 74, of New Plymouth. Idaho, died at home, surrounded by his family and friends, on Oct. 18, 2010.
He was born Oct. 27, 1935 in Chiloquin to Rose and Hugh Meacham. He grew up in Sweet Home and graduated from Sweet Home High School in 1955. He married Vivian Williams on Nov. 13, 1959.
Early on he worked for the federal marshals in Astoria and was the police chief of Mill City. He was employed in the timber/mill industry for several years until he retired. He attended the Congregational Church in New Plymouth. One of his favorite past times was flintknapping, and he belonged to the Sweet Home Rock and Gem Society. In 1994 his display was named the People’s Choice award at the Sweet Home Rock and Minerals Show and was on display the next year at the capitol in Salem.
Mr. Meacham was a member of the Idaho Bluegrass association and enjoyed playing for several area schools, nursing homes, senior centers, the military, and participated in the Weiser Old Time Fiddlers entertainment. He also wrote much of his own music and played the guitar and sang in church. His other love for music was the blues harmonica.
Mr. Meacham was an avid hunter and fisherman, taking his camera in later years in lieu of a rifle. In the past he had a hobby orchard of over 50 fruit trees, which he changed often by grafting. He shared his craft by teaching others to graft their own orchards. He also enjoyed gardening.
Mr. Meacham is survived by his wife Vivian of New Plymouth; daughter Kim Sigmund of Palmer, Alaska; son Jeffrey of Sutherlin; four grandchildren; sisters, Hazel Slater of Baker City, Donna King of Albuquerque, N.M., Sharon Roth of Sweet Home, Judy Walter of Sweet Home, Gail Toedtemeier of Cottage Grove, and Marsha Seibert of Sweet Home; and a brother, Leonard of Boise, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rose Scanlon; father Hugh Meacham; step-father Gordon Scanlon; sister Bonnie MacIntyer; and brothers Hugh Meacham, Richard Meacham, and Bruce Meacham.
Memorial services were held Oct. 23 at the Congregational Church in New Plymouth, followed by lunch at the Meacham residence.