Anton Johannes Zahl Meyer
Feb 11, 1935 -
Aug 11, 2021
Anton Meyer, 86, passed away at home in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 11, 2021, due to kidney disease.
He was born to parents Nils Andreas Zahl Meyer and Elfrida Nikoline Johnsdatter on Feb. 11, 1935, in Leirfjord, Norway.
Anton placed first in his class at Landbruks Agricultural School in Trondelag, Norway. He earned an engineering degree from Goteborg Tekniska Institute in Sweden, in 1962. Before doing so, he completed his obligatory military service in Stavern, Norway, serving from 1956-57.
While at a dance hall in Goteborg, Anton met Pirkko "Pia" Raiskio, whom he married in Pia's hometown of Pori, Finland, on July 21, 1962.
Anton worked as a civil engineer in Napier, New Zealand, 1962-64; in Seattle, Wash., 1964-66; then drove the Alcan while Pia was pregnant. After establishing themselves in Anchorage, he began working for BP as a civil engineer, later opening his own firm. He designed many buildings in Anchorage in the 1970s-80s. Anton proudly became an American citizen in 1976. He was a dedicated member of the Anchorage Downtown Rotary Club, Central Lutheran Church, Travelers Club of Oslo and Sons of Norway Bernt Balchen Lodge, where he served as president.
For 23 years he served as Honorary Consul of Norway in Alaska. In 1997, Anton received the King Olav V medal from his majesty King Harold VI of Norway, for his contributions to Norwegian culture and community. He was also a published author of two books about the northern region of Norway. He built many cabins, including a beautiful 10-acre traditional Norwegian farm in Palmer, where his grandchildren spent many summer days driving tractors, harvesting potatoes and taking part in various building projects. Anton staked land in Hatcher Pass and developed subdivisions in the valley. He was a gifted artist, world traveler and genealogist, and very knowledgeable in history, geography and culture all over the world.
Although we are sad now, our memories of his intellectual curiosity, his sense of humor, quick wit and the endless possibilities he saw as a hard-working Norwegian immigrant who found Alaska a land of limitless opportunity and adventure, are an inspiration and comfort to us.
A memorial service will be held at Viking Hall, 8141 Briarwood St. in Anchorage, on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, at 3 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Angelus Memorial Cemetery in a private family service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sons of Norway, Bernt Balchen Lodge, 8141 Briarwood St., Anchorage, AK 99502.
Anton is survived by his brothers, Frits Meyer and Nils Meyer; his loving wife of 59 years, Pia Meyer; daughters, Anne McCormick (Patrick) and Karin Wanamaker (John); and grandchildren, Christian McCormick, Sophia McCormick, Ava McCormick, Hawken Wanamaker, Sterling Wanamaker and Hayden Wanamaker.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Johan Magnus Meyer.
