Robert Meiering

Robert Arthur Meiering (Bob) passed away in the early morning hours of April 1st at his home, Four Chair Farm in the Animas Valley. He was a very loved man for his many wonderful traits. His goodness, creative loving nature and gentle caring ways touched everyone he ever met.

Born on January 24, 1938 in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was the eldest son of Arthur and Agnes Meiering. During the war the family moved to Roswell, New Mexico so his father could work for the postal service. New Mexico played a pivotal role in the war and Arthur Meiering's work, at the post office, was part of the war effort. Bob attended elementary and high school at the small Saint Peter's Catholic School where he graduated in 1956. Bob liked to say he graduated fifth in his class, sometimes leaving out the fact there were only 5 students in the graduating class.

From an early age Bob embraced the game of golf. His talent for the game led to a full ride scholarship at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque playing for the Lobo golf team. The golf coach put him and another up and coming golfer, Guy Wimberly, together as college roommates. These two roommates and teammates became best friends. While at UNM his talent for the game grew. He won the Skyline Conference Championship in 1957, 1958, 1959. In 1959 he displayed his leadership skills by being elected Team Captain.

He was also a member of Sigma Chi and maintained deep close friendships with the members of the golf team, as well as his fraternity brothers, until his death. While attending the University he met Barbara Olinger, who was the "Sweetheart of Sigma Chi". They married and together had three sons Mark, Patrick and Chris. Their marriage subsequently ended in 1980.

Bob and his best friend Guy Wimberly became business partners and were granted the contract to manage Arroyo Del Oso golf course by Pete Domenici in 1968. Together, on a handshake, they formed an extremely successful partnership spanning 36 years. During the years of business, they formed a golf management company, New Mexico Golf Limited; together they grew the company and managed a number of courses in Albuquerque and later in Santa Fe. During these years they received numerous awards from Sports Illustrated and the PGA, for the excellence of their efforts at making golf a sport for everyone. Bob was also singled out as being one of the country's best teaching pros and Pro Shop merchandisers.

In 1987 he met his beloved Lesley Gannon and they married 9 years later on January 2nd, 1996. Lesley's two boys, George and Gerry Stewart, lived life with Bob and Lesley, on CR 250 in the beautiful Animas Valley, where Bob became the "Chair Man". Through a series of inspirations, Bob began placing four different colored chairs in the front lawn, often theming the chairs to reflect family, local and world events.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him and by those who only knew him by his ever-changing chair displays, with themes like the Olympics, Memorial Day, Mother's Day, the Iron Horse, a birth in our family and many more.

He is survived by his beloved wife Lesley Gannon Meiering, his sons and stepsons: Mark & Martha Meiering, Patrick & Mindy Meiering, Chris Meiering & Kim Milligan, George Stewart, Gerry & Lea Stewart, his grandchildren Davis & Adrianna Meiering, Dallis Meiering, and Drake Stewart, his sister Ruth Beardsley, his brother Mark Carl Meiering, his sister Anne Enquist, and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and wonderful friends.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Columba Catholic Church, Durango, Wednesday, April 13th, 2022 10:00 AM followed by rites of Christian burial at Greenmount Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Hospice of Mercy or St. Columba School.