Matthew Dean Meik

February 3, 1957 - November 18, 2022

Matt was born on February 3, 1957 in Missoula, MT, the youngest of five children of Eldon and Joyce Meik. He passed away on November 18, 2022 in Merced, CA. When Matt was six, his family moved from Bonita Ranger Station, where his father was the ranger, to a home surrounded by orange groves in Strathmore, CA. He had great love and pride for his small-town upbringing and spoke about it often. Matt was involved in 4-H, Boy Scouts, Future Farmers of America and little league baseball in his youth. One of his teenage highlights was visiting Japan with his best friend Lynn Takemoto for a sister city exchange program. In high school, he participated in basketball and tennis and was proud to be a Spartan. He spent many hours working alongside his brothers and dad on maintaining their orange groves, animals, and family property. As a young adult, he served a volunteer two-year mission in Louisiana for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He attended Porterville Junior College and graduated from Fresno State with a business administration degree. Later, he received his teaching and special education credentials from Fresno Pacific.

In 1981, he met Suzette Bushman in a Fresno young adult LDS church group and quickly fell in love. She was drawn to his quick wit and beaming smile. They married on July 10, 1982 in the Oakland, CA LDS temple. They lived in Fresno, Visalia, and Merced, CA. They raised their three daughters in Merced, where they have been living for the last 35 years. Some of the places where Matt was employed include Standard Brand Paint Company, Carole Fabrics, Merced Lao Family, and as a teacher in multiple schools, his last being a special education class in Turlock. He served in church capacities throughout his life and thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Merced Young Single Adult congregation. He was raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and took to heart the teachings of Jesus Christ. He prioritized being with family and catching up with friends. Throughout the years Matt would make a point to visit his Mom often and help with yard work and any other needs. Caring for his family members was very important to him. Some of his favorite hobbies included taking care of the yard and pool, woodworking, thrifting, and playing Wordle. Matt is known for his gentle nature and kind disposition and will be missed by all who knew him.

Matt is survived by his wife of 40 years, Suzette Bushman Meik;his siblings Janet Wright, Mitchel Meik, and Jeffrey Meik; his daughters Alyssa (Jesse) Hunt, Melanie (Chris) Smelcer and Randee Meik; and by four grandchildren Weston, Clara, Evelyn,and Curtis. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Marty Haines.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2692 McKee Road, Merced, CA. Private interment will be at a later date. His memorial service will be live streamed at the following link:

http://www.matthewmeikremembrance.com/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Meik family.