Christopher Gerard Meldrum, 58, of Lewisburg, WV, was a good man.
Christopher’s life was demonstrably a picture of kindness and courage. In Michigan, on January 8, 1961, a baby boy with startlingly beautiful blue eyes was born.
That baby, son of the late Arlen and Helen Meldrum, grew into a man of integrity, who had a lifelong passion for loving other people, being outdoors, being active, and being of service.
Chris was raised along with three siblings in an active and loving home. During high school, he played baseball, ran track, and played trumpet in the band. Christopher was deeply involved in scouting, where he earned the highest rank of Eagle Scout.
Christopher was of service to his nation right out of high school, beginning a 12-year Air Force career, serving honorably and with distinction. He had the unique opportunity to provide secure communications aboard Air Force Two for Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger. During Christopher’s time at the Pentagon, he met and fell in love with Lexanne. They married, made their home in California, and welcomed Craig, Lindsey, Jordan, and Emily into their lives.
Christopher attended college and earned an RN degree. He became an invaluable member of the medical community at Northridge Hospital, educating and caring for countless patients with kindness and compassion. With continuing education and work experience, he earned a CCRN certification in Acute and Critical Care.
In 2004, the Meldrum family moved to Greenbrier County, WV. The beauty of the changing seasons and the warmth of the people of the town of Lewisburg proved to be a perfect fit for them, and they settled happily into the community, developing cherished friendships. The Meldrums joined the Old Stone Presbyterian Church, where Chris was generous with his time, serving for a term as an elder. Chris enjoyed renovating the family’s new home; he was really gifted when it came to working with his hands. From the largest project to the smallest task, all that he did came from a love for his family.
For eight years, until he was no longer able, Chris put his education and extensive experience to use as a valued RN in the Intensive Care Unit of the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center.
When not at home, work, or church, Christopher delighted in being outside and in motion; he was a truly joyous athlete, never happier than after a great bike ride or a long run. He had an explorer’s heart, was always curious about the next adventure life had ahead for him, and was fascinated by aviation, boating, backpacking, camping, cycling, and snow skiing. Continuing with scouting, Chris made many happy memories with his sons, including a memorable “trip of a lifetime” to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Chris loved rooting for “his” Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers. About the only time Chris was happy to sit still was as an appreciative audience member, whenever his talented daughter, Emily, would perform ballet.
After a long, heroic battle, Christopher passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2019, surrounded by love.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents; and foster daughter, Lindsey.
He is survived by his wife, Lexanne; sons, Craig and Jordan; daughter, Emily; brother, Jonathan (Kathleen); sisters, Kathy (David) and Gerianne (David); brother-in-law, David; and many much-loved nieces and nephews.
It was clear in how he treated other people and lived his life: Christopher Gerard Meldrum was a good man.
“Goodness is about character- integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage…more than anything else, it is about how we treat other people.”- Dennis Prager
Send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements.
Obituary originally published in the December 17, 2019, edition of The West Virginia Daily News.
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