Bernie Austin Meier 100th

MEIER 100th

Church family and friends gathered in Pasco, Wash., for a reception to honor Bernie Meier on his 100th birthday. It was hosted by step-daughter, Suzanne, and her husband, Larry Swisher, of Pasco. In attendance were step-grandsons, Jason and Christopher Swisher, and their families. Bernie is a member of the Pasco Riverview Church.

Bernie was born on June 27, 1916, in Farmington, Wash. He graduated from Walla Walla College in 1939, with a degree in education.

While at Walla Walla College, he met Clara Roedel, who was also an education major. They were married on Aug. 19, 1939, in Boise, Idaho.

For the next 10 years, they both taught school in the Adventist school system. In 1955, Bernie began teaching in the public school system and continued to do so for the next 22 years. The last 12 years of his teaching career were spent in the Walla Walla, Wash., area.

Clara passed away in 1990. In 1991, Bernie moved to Pasco and married Thelma Shephard. In 1992, they spent a year teaching English in Taiwan. They both have enjoyed traveling with friends and family.

The Meier family includes Larry Meier of Federal Way, Wash.; Beverly Horton of Alaska; Suzanne and Larry Swisher of Pasco, Wash.; 11 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 6 step-great-grandchildren.