John Philip Meehan, 61, of Albany, beloved husband, father, son, brother and thoughtful community member, quietly passed away at his home on Sunday, Feb. 1.
Born at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, John was the second child of a career serviceman. John's early years were spent traveling with his family throughout the United States, Germany, France and Spain. When John's father retired from the military in the late 1960s, the family chose Oregon and settled in Corvallis. Most recently, John resided in Albany where he was a member of the executive board of The Signs of Victory Ministries, a well-respected recovery center and shelter, which provides social services for the community's homeless and needy. John was a tireless contributor and consistently helped others regardless of circumstance.
Whether a warm meal, big bear hug or welcoming smile, John was a giving soul with a sense of humor that could light up a room. John was also a talented musician and founding member of Wings of Freedom, a local rock band and regional favorite throughout the 1970s. John's spirit, wit and bigger-than-life personality will be missed and well-remembered by all whose lives he has touched, including surviving family members wife, Virginia Gale; father Sidney; mother Philippa; sisters Gloria, Diane and Karen; brother, Christopher; and John's children and numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
A viewing will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at AAsum Dufour Funeral Home, 805 Ellsworth St. S.W., Albany. A celebration-of-life service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Signs of Victory Church, 1100 Jackson St. S.E., Albany.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted at the Signs of Victory.