Obituary of Richard L. Mehan

Scotia - Richard Lloyd Mehan passed away at Ellis Hospital (Schenectady, NY) on June 17, 2011 at the age of 82 after several months of declining health. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Reba, and a son and daughter and their families: Douglas Mehan and Marcia Findlay of Meadville, PA and Leslie and Brian Kopp of Treasure Island, FL and two grandchildren Sasha and Sam Mehan. He is also survived by his sister Dasha Durian of Niwot, CO, and many nieces and nephews. Dick was born in Beuthen, Germany on September 8, 1928 to Mathilde Pauline (Lois) Berndt and Michael Peter Mehan (?????? / Michan). The family lived in Poland for several years before returning to America in 1939 as war threatened. He served in the United States Army and was a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He worked for General Electric most of his career as a metallurgist and research engineer, holding several patents and numerous published papers. Dick was an avid reader, particularly enjoying all the sciences, history, current events, politics, and economics. Family and friends will remember his capacity for true inquiry and well-reasoned, though always gracious, debate. He enjoyed nature, relishing bird watching, cross-country skiing, and walking with the family Dalmatians. He loved to cook and entertain, play tennis and golf, infusing social occasions with his quiet warmth and gentlemanly demeanor. He was a long time member of the Torch Club, the Unitarian Church, Friends of the Schenectady Library, and the Elfun. He was an active volunteer for Planned Parenthood, where he was an escort. He tutored students in English as a second language for many years. The family is grateful to Drs. Saaket Gupta and David Armenia and Cardiology Associates as well as the physicians and nurses of the Ellis Emergency Room and the ICU for their extraordinary care and compassion. A private memorial service will be held later this summer. Contributions may be made to Literacy Volunteers of America (www.literacynycap.org). or Mohawk Hudson Planned Parenthood (www.plannedparenthood.org).