Obituary: Thomas Meyer

Tom Meyer, 83, died peacefully at his home in Juneau on May 24, 2026.

Tom was born on June 21, 1942, in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, to Fred and Rose Meyer, and was the eldest of five children. After earning a forestry degree from Paul Smith’s College in Brighton, New York, Tom headed west to Logan, Utah, where he earned a master's and PhD degrees in economics.

Tom Meyer, front, running the 1979 Governor's Cup. (Photo by Mark Kelley)

He later moved to Seattle where he lived on a houseboat under the Aurora Bridge and drove a bus. He worked as a choker setter on the Olympic Peninsula and, in the early 1970s pre-pipeline days, Tom followed many people “North to Alaska,” settling in what became his adopted home of Juneau.

Tom worked various government economic development jobs in northern Alaska and Juneau, leaving government employment in the early ‘80s to establish his pottery business, Tom’s Pots, which he ran from his home on Fifth Street in downtown Juneau. Tom’s coffee mugs fill many kitchen cabinets in Juneau, and for years he supplied the Alaska Folk Festival and other events with his hand-thrown pottery. Tom was a runner, completing many Klondike Road Relays back in the day. He was also an inspired cook, a book lover, a curmudgeon, and a beloved fixture at the Triangle Bar. He was a devoted friend to many people and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Tom was predeceased by his mother, Rose Meyer, and his father, Fred Meyer. He is survived by his sister Cathy Frei (Robert, deceased), and brothers Rick Meyer (Judy), Jon Meyer (Sharie), and Art Meyer, nephews Zac Meyer, Rob Frei, Randy Frei, and Ryan Frei, and nine grand nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Tom will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Juneau Yacht Club. Please bring your memories of Tom to share. Wake to follow at the Triangle Bar. Potluck contributions welcomed (contact anngmet@gmail.com or cathygardenlady@gmail.com).