Denis G. Meacham ’65

Denis died March 20, 2019, in Nashville, surrounded by his family. He was born in New York City and spent his life between Newton, Mass., and Cape Cod. He was predeceased by his wife, Janet Harper.

Denis came to us from Browning School in New York City. At Princeton he took his meals at Colonial Club. After graduation he earned a master’s of public administration from Harvard and a master’s degree and a doctor of divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School.

He became a senior editor of American Heritage Dictionary and senior science editor of the Columbia Encyclopedia, while also serving as managing editor of Blair & Ketchum’s Country Journal, editor and acting publisher of Horticulture Magazine, and founding editor of Technology Illustrated. He was also an assistant professor of communications at Boston University and a Unitarian Universalist minister, psychotherapist, drug and alcohol counselor, and chaplain at several teaching hospitals and hospice organizations. His publications include The Addiction Ministry Handbook and A Ministry of Presence.

A co-founder, with his sister Pam, of Dot Records’ folk artists Children of Rain, he was legendary on Cape Cod for his songs, guitar and harmonica playing, and strong tenor voice along with an agile intellect, sense of humor, and nonjudgmental attitude.

Denis is survived by daughter Kate Langevin, son Sam, grandchildren Ethan and Brandon, and sister Pam Hutcherson. The class sends condolences to his family on the death of this multi-talented and energetic individual.