Dr. Louis W Meeks

Renowned orthopedic surgeon, Louis W. Meeks, MD, F.A.C.S. of Newton, MA, died on September 14, from advanced pulmonary disease. A gifted and empathetic surgeon and beloved professor, Dr. Meeks was surrounded by his extended family. He was 78.

A lifelong practitioner and professor of medicine, Dr. Meeks had a storied career at some of the top medical schools and hospitals in the country, first at the University of Michigan, where he was president of the Michigan Orthopedic Society, and later at Harvard Medical School and at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center where Dr. Meeks pioneered minimally invasive procedures for both professional athletes and non-athletes alike.

His gifts as a surgeon were complimented by his extraordinary teaching skills, earning both Outstanding Surgery Instructor at the University of Michigan in 1974, and the prestigious “Golden Apple Award” for his work, teaching students at Harvard Medical School in 2001. “Dr. Meeks was beloved by his patients”, according to his partner in private practice, Dr. Jeff Zilberfarb.

Dr. Meeks often said that he learned more about medicine and compassion during his tour of duty during the Vietnam War where he saved the lives of hundreds of American soldiers and helped initiate new vascular reproductive procedures. His youngest son, James Meeks, a Purple Heart recipient who himself was treated by an orthopedic surgeon after suffering wounds sustained during his first tour in the Iraq War, recalled how his father would tell him stories about performing surgeries by flashlight during bombing strikes. “He told me he could never forget the faces of the young men who were terribly wounded,” said James. “My dad said these young soldiers taught him about honor and courage and country, and in turn my father instilled those values that led me to the Army recruiting office after 9/11.”

Dr. Meeks graduated from Albion College and the University of Michigan School of Medicine. As an undergrad, he not only played on the football team, but also performed the trumpet in the marching band during half time.

At the age of 52, Dr. Meeks was recruited by Dr. Mitchell Rabkin, then president of Beth Israel Hospital, to leave Michigan for Boston, where Dr. Meeks quickly established himself as a leading orthopedic surgeon as well as one of the nation’s premier professors of medicine,

Dr. Meeks was happiest around his devoted family. “We will miss his kindness, compassion and sense of humor,” said his daughter Laura Saltonstall of Boston, a graduate of Harvard Medical School whose fondest memory practicing medicine was assisting her father in surgery before switching direction to work at Boston bio-tech firm Genzyme (now Saonofi).

Dr. Meeks was devoted to his adopted home of Boston, becoming a loyal fan of his beloved Patriots, Celtics and the Bruins. Dr. Meeks served on the boards of several local institutions, including The Wang Center and New England Conservatory. Dr. Meeks and his wife, Berneda, were well known for their generous hospitality in their community, and always opened their home to charitable organizations from Second Step, a program that provides transitional housing and supportive services for the homeless to the 2Seeds Network, a non-profit that supports farmers in Tanzania. 2Seeds Network was founded by James Meeks who described how he was encouraged through the advice and mentorship of his father, himself raised as a farmer in Clinton, Michigan.

Dr. Meeks is survived by his wife, Berneda Meeks; his five children Michelle McCormick (West Bloomfield, MI), his namesake Louis Meeks II (Northville, MI), John Meeks (Atherton, CA), Laura Saltonstall (Newton, MA), and James Meeks (Grand Rapids, MI); and his eleven grandchildren, Kellen, Danielle, Louie III, Riley, Jonathan, Teddy, Annie, Katherine, Ellie, Anna, and Adam Thomas.

During a life devoted to serving his country and his patients, Dr. Meeks remained upbeat and optimistic. “My father taught us that we are responsible for what happens in this world,” said James Meeks.

A private burial will be held at New Westside Cemetery in Edgartown MA this Wednesday, September 16th. Dr. Meeks spent some of his happiest times on Martha’s Vineyard, boating in the waters off the island and being with his family.

A Memorial Service is planned for 3pm on September 25th at the Church of the Redeemer in Chestnut Hill, MA.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Dr. Meeks to 2Seeds Network (www.2seeds.org/donate) or the Max Warburg Courage Curriculum (http://maxcourage.org/).