DONALD BRIAN MEYERS

ONEIDA- Donald Brian Meyers, beloved son, brother, father and friend, passed away suddenly on March 10, 2021, stricken with a heart attack. He was born November 28, 1958. He was the fifth child of the now departed Bob and Jean Meyers of Bates Ave, Oneida,new York. His home was in Soquel, California, near the ocean which drew him westward after graduating from Oneida High School where he earned a regents scholarship. Don s son, Bradford, and daughter, Jessica, were the delight of his heart. He enjoyed teaching them about nature, music, art, and sports. Don enthusiastically coached them in football, softball and lacrosse. He loved surfing and his dog, Bella. Don nurtured plants and trees as grounds specialist at Soquel Union Elementary School District for 35 years. He was a certified arborist and nurseryman. His employer shared a tribute to his gifts in their local newspaper. “Don cared for our school campuses with expertise, love, and meticulous attention. He treated every field, tree, and plant as if they were his own. He cared about the children of this community and wanted them to have beautiful campuses to attend school.” Fellow teachers shared their appreciation for his help with outdoor learning labs as a part of their Healthy Living elective. Students, staff and parents were inspired as they grew vegetables, fruit trees, flowers, while learning about irrigation, organic soil and seeds, sustainability, and nutrient cycles. Don was described as a down-to-earth humble person who shied away from credit for any of this. As well as his passion for his children and gardening, Don loved music. He enjoyed decades of singing and playing drums with his band Xing at local venues and backyard parties. He attended many concerts with his children. Don is survived by his beloved children, Bradford and Jessica, his brothers Bob (Sue) of Peterboro, NY, Rick (Lee) of Pratt s Hollow, NY, sisters Pam (Bob) West of Clockville, NY, Ginny (Chuck) Pendleton of East Aurora, NY, cherished cousins, nieces and nephews, and his former wife, Lisa O Neill. He was predeceased by his brothers Tom and Doug Meyers, as well as his dear parents, Bob and Jean Eastman Meyers, all of Oneida, NY. A musical celebration of Don s life will be held on Saturday, August 21, in Santa Cruz, California, and also locally at the Oneida Elks Club, November 27, from 3 to 6pm. His children and siblings ask that you please consider planting a tree in his memory and supporting your local music programs.