“In the end, these things matter most: How well did you love? How fully did you live? How deeply did you let go?”  ~Buddha

On Tuesday May 9, 2023, our dearest Fred Meissner passed away unexpectedly at the age of 62 while riding his bike in nature and living his best life. Fred will be remembered for many reasons, but his love and devotion to his family is his greatest legacy. He shared a true love story with his soulmate and best friend of 44 years, Terry Meissner of Elmira. Fred was a fantastic father and friend to Jeremy (Kelly) Meissner of Elmira, and Joe (Karen) Meissner of Elmira. Mentor, comedian, friend, punster and absolute game changer to his five grandchildren – Jamieson, Kate; Grey, William and Charles. Dear brother of Frank (Kathryn) Meissner, and Carolin (Marty) Strummer. Will be greatly missed by Hilda and Bev, Annie and Murray, Margie and Brian, Mary, Helmut, Helen, Ashley, Rick, many nieces, nephews and their families, his compound family of Jenny, Kevin and Aiden Basler, and many wonderful friends. Predeceased by his parents Erwin and Annie (Kurucz) Meissner, and his mother-in-law Kate Bugarsky.

Fred was a teacher for 27 years at Elmira District Secondary School. His impact at EDSS will be truly felt for generations. Fred had a lifelong commitment to nurturing young minds. He possessed an extraordinary ability to connect with his students, instilling in them a love for learning and a belief in their own potential.

Fred treasured spending quality time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He showed them all what authentic true love looks like. He was a pillar of strength and a source of unwavering support for his family, always ready to provide encouragement and love in the most thoughtful and inspirational ways. Fred leaves behind a void that cannot be filled, but his love and light will live on through the lives he touched. He is on to his next great adventure. Meissner, party of 11, transcends the boundaries of space and time.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made to Kate’s Kause, a foundation near and dear to Fred’s heart.