My Dad - Who taught me many things - Especially how to accessorize - He loved to quote Bette Midler:
"I firmly believe that with the right footwear one can rule the world"
Dr. Richard Meen October 12, 1940 – December 8, 2018 Toronto Ontario
It is with profound sadness we share the passing of Richard Meen. Husband and life partner for fifty years of Dr. John Reeve-Newson. Father to Sandra Pierce. Father-in-law to Dennis Fox. Grandfather to David and Adam Fox. Godfather to Drew Reeve-Newson. Master to Skye Terriers Dilly, Coco and Kaylee. Norwich Terriers Bob and Cookie. And friend to thousands. Literally. Dick had 3,323 Facebook friends.
So many around the world are mourning the loss of a truly special man. As a good friend put it, “Dick wore many hats, and always with style.” Dick was a distinguished psychiatrist noted for his work with troubled youth and Far North Nation communities. He was a giant in the world of purebred dogs. Breeder, exhibitor, judge and President of the Canadian Kennel Club. One of his proudest achievements occurred in 2016 when he judged Best in Show at the world’s most prestigious canine event, Westminster Dog Show. And he also found time to be the psychiatric consultant to the National Ballet School for over 40 years.
In a 2004 talk to the parents of these amazing young dancers he quoted the British Psychiatrist Anthony Storr: ‘creative talent of a major kind is not widely bestowed. Those who possess it are often regarded with awe and envy because of their gifts. They also tend to be thought of as peculiar, odd human beings who do not share the pains and pleasures of the average person.’ No better words could describe Dick who was in possession of such creative talent in so many fields.
The tributes and condolences that have poured in have one thing in common: they all say how Dick was never more than a phone call away, day or night. That he was one of the finest people they had ever known and that they will not come across anyone like him ever again. And of course there was his great laugh and the twinkle in his eye.
Another friend put it best: ‘There just doesn’t seem to be enough letters in the alphabet, or enough words in the dictionary to describe Dick or my feelings for him.’
There will be a private funeral service as per the family’s wishes and a celebration of Dick’s life will be held in the spring of 2019. A special thanks to Dr. Anna Geagea , Dr. Laveena Munshi , Nurse Stella Cocuz and the entire ICU team at Mount Sinai Hospital. Your love and compassion made the unbearable a little easier. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Covenant House Toronto.