John Anthony Mereu
May 30, 2019
Surrounded by family, on Thursday, May 30, 2019, John Anthony Mereu, in his 92nd year, peacefully entered the next stage of his journey. John is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Dorothy; children: Ev McDowell (Phil), Tim (Shannon), Matt (Janine); grandchildren: Erin (Allan), Rechelle, Alex (Soraya), Mike (Rachel), Irene, and Julianna; great–grandchildren: Caris and Clara; brother, Bob (Mary); brother-in-law, George; daughter-in-law, Christina (Ross); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Julia and Emmanuel; sister, Irene; and brother, Henry. John lived a full, meaningful and productive life. He touched hundreds of people with his wise, gentle, and humble manner. He was always positive, inquisitive, and accepting. He loved to laugh and was a life-long punster. He sought to live a disciplined, fulfilling and purposeful life. He achieved that goal. This will be the legacy he leaves to his loved ones. John traveled extensively with Dorothy. Highlights include visits to China, Russia, and Japan. He also spent time during four summers in Poland teaching actuarial science. In preparation for journeys to various parts of the world, John would often spend a year or more learning the indigenous language – with varying degrees of success. While there, he would endeavor to immerse himself in the culture of his hosts, sometimes jogging or cycling along city streets where foreigners rarely ventured. John was an avid tennis player, bridge and chess player, a voracious reader and ardent math problem solver. He was particularly devoted to running and walking, and embarked on several multi-day treks across different parts of Southern Ontario. John worked at London Life for over forty years as an actuary. He also lectured for fifty-two years at UWO in actuarial science and statistics. He was known by many as the “actuary’s actuary”. John’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at peopleCare Oakcrossing for the outstanding care they provided him. A visitation will be held at RIVERSIDE UNITED CHURCH, 695 Riverside Drive London, on Monday, June 3, 2019 from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m., where a memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Private interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Those wishing to donate in memory of John are asked to consider Riverside United Church or L.H.S.F. Multiple Myeloma Research.
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(Donated to LHSF - Multiple Myeloma Research)
(Donated to LHSF - Multiple Myeloma Research)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
To Dorothy and the entire Mereu Family, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to you on the loss of your husband and father. He was such a wonderful, kind and unique man. I have so many fond memories from my youth of my dad and John sitting in silence at our coffee table, for what seemed like hours, playing a game of chess. Other times it would be with a group, for games of Bridge with my parents and other close friends or the annual New Years Eve celebrations. I also remember a family day together at the beach, Southcott Pines I think. You were always more like family to me than friends of my parents. I will never forget the kindness he showed during my dad's final days. I regret that I only learned of his passing this evening. I would have definitely come to share my condolences with you in person. Sending hugs and love to all of you and especially Dorothy.
We express our condolences to Dorothy and your family. I learned about John's death on this web site. Kenjiro also passed away on January 16 this year. Surely they will be having fun talking in heaven. Thank you for visiting my house in Japan, and thank you for having a nice time welcoming my husband on a trip to Canada. Please sleep in peace. Japanese friend Fumiko Honma.
My condolences to the Mereu family on the loss of John. As his student (1978), LL work colleague (1978-1987) and fellow UWO faculty member over numerous years, I will fondly remember John as a great teacher, mentor, gentleman and a scholar. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.
Lou and I offer our deepest sympathy to Dorothy and all of John's family. John was a wonderful boss, mentor and friend during our many years at London Life. Brilliant but without ego, John had the respect and admiration of all who knew him. He will be sadly missed but always fondly remembered.
Tim & Ev. My deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your father. I taught at Riverside and had Tim as a serious excellent student. Through your Aunt Irene I felt I knew the Mereu family and regarded them as special people. May God, family and friends surround you with their love and support.
Tim and family..... our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. God Bless! Rick and Caraleen
While I only cared for John for a very short time at PeopleCare, he touched my heart with his kind and gentle smile. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Our most sincere condolences to all the Mereu family on the sad loss of John. He was a quiet, humorous and appreciated presence in our exercise class at CCAA. God Bless.
I remember John as my actuarial science teacher at UWO in 1957-59 which might have been the first of his 52 years. I enjoyed his courses and made an attempt to become an actuary but chose teaching Mathematics. Over the years I have thought of John and do remember him fondly. My wife's name is also Dorothy. My condolences to his family.
Dorothy and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sadness and celebration of a wonderful man. John was the calm in the storm. Peace be with you.
Our condolences to Dorothy and the rest of John Mereu's family.
Dorothy and family, Our sincere condolences for your loss. John was a magnificent man an he will be missed. Sincerely, Jen and Gord
On behalf of our dad (deceased) - Mart Maylard, we send our condolences to the Mereu family. Our father held a very special place in his heart for his Grove School friends John and Bob. He was very proud of their accomplishments. May you always carry many happy memories with you. I am sure John and dad are having some wonderfull memories in Heaven. Sincerely from the Maylard Family
My prayers are with you and your family , Dorothy, as you release John into God's eternal care. Thank you for wonderful memories of times spent together.
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I have great memories of actuarial classes at Western led by John Mereu from 1989-1991. I loved his classes. He was an inspiration for me and many others in my class and I owe him many thanks for helping me get started in my actuarial career. My thoughts are with his family at this time.
~ George Turpie