Kingsley Newell Meyer, Jr.

Kingsley Newell Meyer Jr., 71, passed away on April 1, 2023, after a 3 year battle with cancer at his home in Rio Grande, Ohio. Kingsley, who was known as Tod to family and childhood friends, was born on March 22, 1952 in Providence, Rhode Island, son of the late Kingsley Newell Meyer Sr. and Carol (Jenckes) Meyer. Kingsley attended elementary school in Barrington, Rhode Island, Providence Country Day School in East Providence, Hebron Academy, Maine and Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio. He received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Education from Wilmington College and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from Ohio University, Athens, Ohio.

Kingsley is survived by his loving wife, Patricia (Mitchell) Meyer, daughter, Kristin (Matthew) Grindle, grandchildren, Scarlett and Julian, sisters, Candace (John) Bartlett and Lisa Tischer and several nieces, nephews and former spouse Kathryn Olcott.

Kingsley’s study of biology and environmental science branched out into education, where he focused on environmental science, education and outdoor education. One of his first jobs after college was working at an outdoor education facility for the Cincinnati public schools. He later worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Youth Conservation Corps as a work crew leader and coordinator. He eventually settled in Rio Grande, Ohio working for the Bob Evans Farm from 1977 to 1988. At the farm, Kingsley worked for Mr. Evans on conservation work, operating the canoe livery, as well as providing tours and running overnight trail rides, and is where he met his first wife, Kathryn. Kingsley later took a position at the University of Rio Grande and retired from there after 32 years as the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Officer.

Nothing made Kingsley happier than being outdoors. His youth was spent around Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island camping, scouting, canoeing and climbing mountains. His love for the mountains of New Hampshire was lifelong. Kingsley was an accomplished swimmer and became a Red Cross water safety instructor, Red Cross canoeing and kayaking instructor and an American Canoe Association kayaking and canoeing instructor. Kingsley was an avid and proficient kayaker and met his wife Patricia at kayaking school in North Carolina and they spent many years kayaking together. When they married in 1994, Kingsley and Patricia purchased property south of Rio Grande, which is registered as an American Tree Farm. He spent most of his time caring for his extensive property, walking through the woods and gardening. Kingsley had quite the green thumb and was always sharing his bountiful harvests with friends.

Kingsley was involved with the Ohio Conservation and Outdoor Education Association and the Ohio Alliance for the Environment. He was involved locally in the Gallia County Litter Control Board and was a board member of the Gallia County Visitor Center.

Kingsley also showed an interest in computers and technology, which led to his role at the University of Rio Grande, and he became a resource within his community. With the growth of the internet, Kingsley focused on bringing rural broadband to Gallia County and became very involved in local efforts. He was a chairperson of the Gallia County Broadband Committee and later headed the Connect Ohio initiatives in Gallia County. In 2010 Kingsley received the Ohio Broadband Hero Award from Connect Ohio and Connected Nation for his dedication to helping establish the University of Rio Grande’s first internet connection and leadership in several regional broadband committee initiatives. Kingsley received the Doug Gale Outstanding Service Award from OARnet (Ohio Academic Network) honoring Ohio individuals who have provided exemplary service to the organization.

Memorial services will be conducted 3:00 PM Saturday, April 8, 2023 in the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, Gallipolis with Pastor Tom Mollohan officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday 2:00-3:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, The Nature Conservatory or environmental organization of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent via www.mccoymoore.com

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