Ray H. Mekis, 87 of Renfrew, PA entered his heavenly home on May 24, 2020. He was born July 25, 1932 in Albany, NY, the son of Thomas A. Mekis and Anna Harmon Mekis. He grew up on a beautiful farm on Mekis Road in Middlesex Twp., PA.
He attended Mars High School graduating in 1950. He received a civil engineering degree from Penn State in 1954. Drafted into the United States Army in 1956, he served for two years. After his service, he began building bridges with the Mekis Construction Company which his father founded in 1946. He later became President and CEO of the company and part owner with his brother, Thomas B. Mekis. Building bridges was Ray’s passion, and he remained involved until the end of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Ella McGee Mekis and his second wife, Sandy Kutsch Mekis.
Traveling, hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and walking on the Great Wall of China were some of the highlights of his life. His parents instilled in him a love of Hawaii, but it was his desire to return one last time to Arizona where he spent many wonderful winters.
Ray battled brain surgery and multiple cancers for many years. His eyesight began to deteriorate in his forties. Because of Macular Degeneration, he eventually became totally blind. Although Ray could not see, he appreciated the love of gardening. Everything Ray planted thrived.
Pittsburgh Sports teams were a life line for Ray. He was an avid listener and knew all the important plays by heart.
The last nine years of Ray’s life, he was lovingly taken care of by his two care givers, Martha Chavarria and Michael Ganster who moved in with him and took care of him twenty-four hours a day without a vacation or a day off. They dedicated their lives to helping him. It was Martha who showed Ray that there was a God who loved him. She showered His love each day by ministering to Ray’s needs. It was Martha who sang “The Lord’s Prayer” and “Amazing Grace’ in her beautiful voice before he took his last breath.
There is a sign on the Mekis Constuction Company yard. It says, “Entering Paradise.” Ray Mekis entered paradise May 24th, 2020.
Surviving are his sister, Barbara Wiles, brother-in-law, Dick Wiles and Ray’s brother, Thomas B. Mekis and wife, Phyllis Sue Mekis.
Private visitation and service for Ray Mekis will be held at Geibel Funeral Home. Burial service to follow at St. John’s Church, Coylesville, PA.
Donations may be made to The Blind Association of Butler, 322 N. Cedar St. Butler, PA 16001. https://theblindassociation.org.
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