Neil Meyer

A hardworking man of honor and integrity, Cornelius “Neil” Meyer made a significant impact in the lives of everyone he met. A lifelong resident of the community he loved, he was the sort of person everyone seemed to know as he never met a stranger. Neil was an accomplished businessman who worked tirelessly building a reputable and successful business that was known throughout the area. First and foremost, however, he was a family man who treasured the companionship of his true love, and together they witnessed their family tree blossom to include the grandchildren who were their greatest source of pride and joy. An extraordinary man to know and love, Neil will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know and love him.

It was great to be an American during the 1920s. Innovation was leading numerous technological advancements that were transforming countless aspects of our everyday lives. Washing machines and refrigerators became part of our homes while radios brought the world around us within our reach. This was the decade when the silent film era came to an end, the lights of Broadway never shined brighter, and legends Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb made baseball America’s favorite pastime. It was just as the warmth of summer was settling on the city of Dearborn, Michigan, that Harry and Kathlene Meyer were anxiously anticipating the birth of their new baby. Their wait was over on June 2nd when the baby boy they named Cornelius made his arrival in nearby Highland Park. He was one of six children in his family and was raised in the family home in Dearborn alongside his siblings, Margaret, Gary, Wendel, Tom, and Harry.

Neil, as he was always known, was a young boy of his generation. His father worked for Ford Motor Company while his mother was a homemaker who was also active in the community and the City of Dearborn. Sadly, she died when Neil was only 11 years old. He was a bustle of activity from the time he was a young boy as he participated in many sports with baseball and basketball being his favorites. Neil also enjoyed camping and being at a lake. It was as a young boy of nine that he first developed a love for driving while taking his older brother’s car out for a joy ride. This was also when Neil experienced his first auto accident! By the time he was 14 Neil had his very own driver’s license and began driving to school on his own. He was so proud of his car and even bragged that his car was a nicer car than any of the teachers had. Neil enjoyed hanging out with his buddies at the pool hall where they nicknamed themselves the "Ford Road Gang.” He was a student at local schools through the 10th grade.

New and exciting changes were in store for Neil when he met the young girl with whom he would write a love story that would span 66 years. Her name was Barbara, and they met when he was a young man of 19. Sparks flew right from the start, and it wasn’t long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Neil and Barbara were united in marriage on July 14, 1948. Together they welcomed three children including Kathy, Jim, and Rick into their hearts and home. Some of their favorite times as a family were spent cruising the Great Lakes in the boat Neil loved.

Always willing to work hard, Neil’s earliest days were spent delivering new furniture for JL Hudson’s Department Store. Excited to follow his heart, he started Dearborn Moving & Storage with only one truck and a dream in 1955 when he was 26. Through his hard work and determination coupled with the support of his wife as she was the one who answered all the calls in the house, the business grew and flourished until his retirement. His business, now known as DMS Moving Systems, is still running strong today.

Later in life Neil continued doing the things he loved. Beginning in 1978, he and Barbara took the boat down to Florida each winter while spending their summers in Michigan. Neil truly loved the trip down and back while having family and friends join him. During their later years he and Barbara loved spending time at their vacation home in Northern Michigan with their family that also included their beloved grandchildren. In addition to boating, Neil also loved basketball. He continued to play organized basketball until he was 50, and from there he continued to be a fan of the game by attending numerous high school, college, and professional games. When it came to music he enjoyed the music from the forties and early fifties - big band music and artists like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Tony Bennett. This past October Neil was deeply saddened with the death of the love of his life. He drew strength from the love of his family in the days, weeks, and months following her death.

All who knew Neil Meyer would agree that he made the world around him a better place. Whether he was telling stories, sharing good food and a cocktail with family and friends, or enjoying the warmth and serenity out on his boat with loved ones, he fully embraced each and every gift in his life. He was never one to worry about building wealth, rather, Neil focused his days on being a friend to everyone one he met. With unending love for his family, he created a timeless legacy that will be proudly carried on by those who follow in his footsteps. Neil will never be forgotten.