Millbrook – Scott Meyer of Millbrook, NY, passed peacefully on Sunday, July 19 at The Kent in Connecticut, after a 3 1/2 year battle with melanoma. He was born January 11, 1954 in Sharon, CT, son of the late Barbara and Schuyler M. Meyer Jr. He attended Dutchess Day School, graduating from Millbrook School (1973) and Franklin Pierce College in Rindge NH (1977), where he received a BA in Elementary Education/Archeology/Biology as an Independent Major. He graduated cum laude with honors in Elementary Education. He has described himself as a constant learner through voracious reading, and especially loved the history of science and technology. He had a genuine love always, of working with students. Scott wholeheartedly embraced each community in which he lived. Upon graduating from college he continued to teach elementary education (4-6th grade) for seven years in MA, first at the Winchendon School System, then at Applewild, a private school in Fitchburg MA. While teaching in Winchendon, he gathered interested students, as an extracurricular activity, to explore the world of archeology, and then brought the students at year’s end to ply their skills in the backyard of his family farm in Millbrook. Coaching youth sports was one of Scott’s passions, but especially soccer. He held a U.S. Soccer Federation coaching license. While teaching in Winchendon MA, Scott created a start-up program as the town’s Director of Recreation (1977-1980), founding the Winchendon Soccer Association (1977-1981). In 1982-83, he coached All Star soccer, Central MA, for boys under 19 and girls under 16. In 1980 he became a certified coach for Special Olympic Soccer, something for which he was very proud. His goal, always, in coaching youth, was to work with each member of the team with a goal of bringing joy and enthusiasm to the game.
In 1983 Scott returned to Millbrook where he founded the Merritt Bookstore, starting with two tables on the main street. He continued teaching as a substitute for several years in the Millbrook, Dover, and Webatuck school districts, as well as Dutchess Day School. As he was settling into the community, his future wife walked into his bookstore one day in quest of a book on Newfoundland. Scott immediately (as he did with everyone) led her to a selection by Farley Mowat, known author of great stories of the Canadian provinces. And in Scott’s style of sharing, he simultaneously pointed out a posted letter that his father had received in corresponding with the author. He married Alison Brooke Silkworth on May 21, 1988 at the Flagler Memorial Chapel at Millbrook School. Scott enjoyed 32 years as an active member of the Millbrook Community, serving as president of the Millbrook Business Association (also a board member for 26 years, 1985-2011), Rotary Club of Millbrook (1998-99), and Town of Washington Historical Society (1994-99). He served on the boards of Dutchess Day School, Millbrook Free Library (1984-90), Housatonic Audubon Society (1985-1990, 1st vice-pres.), and a founding member of the Town of Washington Conservation Advisory Commission. He also served on a number of selection committees for educational scholarships over the years. Always with a vision to enliven the Millbrook community with activity, he inspired a committee to create an annual “Garden Day” event (1992-98) and did the same in creating the “Millbrook Literary Festival” (2008-present).
Scott loved what he did as a bookseller. He engaged in any opportunity provided to share his passion for books and his community, his family and the people who surrounded him. Scott was one of the original booksellers featured on the WAMC Northeast Public Radio- Albany weekly Book Picks segment. He enjoyed that tremendously for 15 years. He also initially hosted Rotary Radio, a weekly show given to discussion on local and world issues in which Rotary is involved. He could also be heard discussing books and upcoming events as a guest on WKZE. Scott shared his book expertise and humor as master of ceremonies for the Mid-Hudson Library System “Battle of the Books” during its first years beginning in 2005. Beyond his local community Scott served on the advisory board of the New England Independent Booksellers Association (NEIBA), education committee of the John Burroughs Society, the State Conference of the Waterways of NY, and the George Bird Grinnell American Indian Children’s Fund (Vice-pres. 1989-2002, Pres. 2002- 2008) .The Fund was named after his gr-gr-uncle, the naturalist and ethnologist, providing educational opportunities and other assistance to American Indian families. Whatever Scott did, it was about community, but it was really about the people. He welcomed everyone into his heart and often said once he had a story about you, you were woven into his soul forever. One student employee remembered Scott as friendly, caring, generous, trusting, and faithful. Another good friend said Scott was forever reaching out to staff for ideas… giving everyone’s initiatives an opportunity to flourish.
Scott is survived by his wife of 27 years, Alison Silkworth Meyer; two sons, Lawton and Schuyler Meyer, both of Millbrook; his brother Allen Meyer of Millbrook; two sisters, Molly Meyer of New Haven CT and Aileen (Chuca) Meyer of Washington D.C.; his brother Schuyler M. (Ted) Meyer III pre-deceased him in 2009 (Janet Taylor Meyer) of Burlington MA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at the Millbrook School Chapel, 1 pm on Sunday August 2nd, followed by a reception at Charlotte’s at which everyone is welcome. As a long standing member of Grace Episcopal Church in Millbrook, Scott had asked in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Grace Church, P.O. Box 366, Millbrook NY, 12545. Donations will be used toward programs in youth ministries.
