Albert Arthur (Buddy) Meek passed away Nov. 8th 2011, in Fort St John. He was born in Shaunavon Sask. On Dec. 10, 1928. He came to the Peace River area in 1931 with his parents Bert and Charlotte, and 2 bothers Edwin and Gordon. Buddy made his home in the Fort St. John and Charlie Lake areas since then. He went to school for three years at the Halfway then completed grade school at Charlie Lake.
Buddy enjoyed the outdoor life fishing, hunting and camping. He did a lot of hunting and was really good at it. While in their teens he and his brother Gordon homesteaded living off the land. Gordon relates to when they shot squirrels for their hides, they would separate and go in different directions. Once after a long day tramping through the forest from tree to tree they met up with their packsacks full. Gordon got 68 and thought that to be very good but Buddy had 78. Another time the Chinook wind brought warm weather, excellent for harvesting squirrels as they were chattering in every tree. Again they went in different directions. Gordon worked hard and fast, not even stopping to eat his lunch. He was determined to beat Buddy this time. He had great success and got 84 squirrels. When they met at dark, each asked the other how they made out. Buddy just said “Good” and gave no numbers. Gordon said: “I got 84”. Buddy’s only reply was “great”. After some time had passed they arrived on snowshoes back at their cabin. Gordon’s curiosity got the best of him, he was sure that for once he had beaten his brothers count. He asked Buddy out right, “So how many did you get?” Buddy answered casually as he endeavored to roll a cigarette, “105”. He had failed once more so it was up to Gordon to make supper.
Buddy worked at different jobs over the years. A survey job on the Mackenzie River. Another at Norman Wells to dismantle the Canol pipeline. He was well known and respected as a truck driver on the OLD (before the pavement) Alaska Highway. Then as a natural born mechanic working on Case tractors and crawlers fro North West Farm Equipment and at Tony’s Repair.
Buddy wasn’t rich with the money but rich in the things that matter most. He lived a good life and was content with whatever he was doing. He was a carefree happy person. Everyone was his friend and he enjoyed his family and grandchildren. He would and could sing many of the country songs while strumming on his guitar.
He is survived by his wife Edna, son Danny, daughters Penny and Margo (Jerome), 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was cremated with some of his ashes spread on his original homestead between Wilder Creek and Cache Creek. The hunting territory and land that he loved.