Alan Earl Meins 1945 - 2016

MEINS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/18/2016 at 16:06:20

Sioux City Journal
3 May 2016

SIOUX CITY | Alan Earl Meins, 71, formerly of Sioux City passed away on April 17, 2016, after a year of fiercely battling pancreatic cancer. It is with great sadness we announce the end of the adventures of a beloved husband, father and grandfather.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at Macy & Son Funeral Home, 135 NE Evans St., in McMinnville, Ore. To leave condolences, visit www.macyandson.com.

An only child, born on March 23, 1945, in Sioux City, to his adoring parents, Earl and Lois Meins, Alan enjoyed an adventurous life. His love for the outdoors began at a young age and was shared with brother-like friends and cousins. He often fondly remembered his camping and canoeing trips with the Boy Scouts, along with other more mischievous ventures.

The adventures continued for Alan in the telecommunications industry, starting in the U.S. Air Force and on into Mountain Bell Telecommunications Company. He had a long career in the local network engineering department, starting in Phoenix Ariz., then Colorado, and ending in Oregon. He retired after 32 years and then returned for another 15 years.

The family-like atmosphere of Mountain Bell brought many friends into his life. Together they would go camping, hunting, snow skiing and on various trips and social gatherings. He enjoyed yearly trips to San Diego with his wife and sons, scuba diving, whitewater rafting, swimming, and motorcycle rides in the mountains with friends. Most of all, he loved to travel.

Alan was a brave man who lived a fearless life. He was known to be loyal, patriotic, professional and classy. There was no mistaking him as he had a beautiful head of white hair. He was well-versed in historical events and engaged in politics. He cherished the longtime tradition of big family gatherings.

As William Feather put it, "One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure." All those who joined Alan in his many adventures were part of his big family, as he thought of you as more than a friend, but as a brother, a sister, a blessing in his life. He treasured his family.

Alan is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Connie; their two sons, Mark and wife, Kristen, and Eric and wife, Emily; and grandchildren, Christopher and Karissa Meins and Hannah Janssen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his first grandson, Nathaniel Meins.