Axel Meyer died March 07, 2009, at his daughters home in Vero Beach, Florida, where he had gone during his struggle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Cecile, daughters Carla and Linda, son Frederick, sister Greta Rudolph and grandchildren Nicholas Ryan, Madeline Meyer and Sarah Meyer
He was born in Copenhagen Denmark on March 3, 1926 and immigrated to New York City with his parents Anna and Fred and sisters Greta and Ellen in 1930. Al served in the US Navy in the Pacific during World War II. He received his Bachelor of Science degrees in both Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from City College of New York, a Master of Science in Physics from Georgia Tech in Atlanta, a Doctorate in Physics from Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. He was a Professor of Physics at the University of Florida from 1955-1959; a researcher at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory from 1960-1967; and a Professor of Physics at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb for 26 years.
Als body of scientific work, as described by lifetime collaborator Hughie Young, was significant in developing the theory of the behavior of liquid metals. Together they produced over 32 research publications in physics journals of international standing, along with numerous presentations at international conferences. Their research played an important role in developing a solution to the mysteries of liquid metals. One important paper provided explanation of experimental observations regarding the unique thermodynamic properties of lithium.
Following retirement Al continued teaching Physics in Society to students in the NIU Lifetime Learning Institute. He supported numerous international scientific organizations, including Sigma Pi Sigma, American Physical Society, the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, Center for Defense Information, Council for a Livable World, Institute for Policy Studies, Nuclear Information and Resource Service, Sigma Xi, and Union of Concerned Scientists. He was a fellow of the Institute for Physics (British).
Al met his wife Cele in New York City. They married in 1950. The two had 58 years together, dedicated to raising three children and supporting causes they believed in. He took great pleasure in helping students understand the important role of physics in society and was a leader in exposing and opposing the dangers of nuclear technology, both for weapons and for power generation. He was a proponent of renewable energy sources and conservation. He lived simply and could be seen riding his bike to work year-round.
Al was co-founder with his wife of the DeKalb Interfaith Network for
Peace and Justice and served in many roles over the past 25 years. He was an ardent peace activist, and for the past seven years could be seen on Friday carrying his rainbow flag at the weekly peace vigil on the corner of First and Lincoln Highway.
Al was a dedicated member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb, having helped found a similar fellowship in Gainesville, Florida.
A family service will be held in Florida, followed by a memorial service at the DeKalb Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in June. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations In memory of Dr. Axel Meyer to the Nuclear Energy Information Service (WWW.NEIS.ORG). Al was grateful to the NEIS for their leadership in the effort to limit the use of nuclear power in Illinois by making the public aware of its grave danger and true cost.
Al is deeply missed by his family, students, colleagues and many friends.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida. Condolences may be sent through www.seawindsfh.com/obit.php