Obituary of David Courter Meissner

David C. Meissner, 77, of Alfred Station, passed away at home on July 22. Born August 11, 1943 on Long Island, NY, David grew up in West Hempstead and graduated from the Waldorf School in Garden City in 1961. He went on to attend Ripon College graduating in 1965 with a degree in psychology and then the University of Maine, Orono graduating in 1969 with a PhD in experimental psychology. He married Arolana (Lana) Johnson in 1966 and they resided in Orono until David entered the Army as a second lieutenant at Ft. Bragg in Fayetteville, NC. David was one of a number of newly minted PhDs who taught psychological operations (PsyOps) to Vietnamese officers. He was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1971 at which time he joined the psychology department faculty at Alfred University. David was a devoted and loving father, an avid gardener, photographer and collector of antique toys, rocks and minerals. He was infinitely curious about nearly everything he explored, was a gentle soul who loved the outdoors, and was a light to so many. Above all else, David enjoyed spending summers at his family home on Lake Winnipesaukee, where he was most at peace in his surroundings. David was predeceased by his parents, William Meissner and Ruth Courter Meissner, and his two brothers, John Meissner and Christopher Meissner. He is survived by his daughter, Kristen Vargason (Dale) from Wayland, NY, his former wife and friend, Arolana (Lana) Meissner from Belmont, NY, sister-in-law, Holly Meissner from New Milford, CT, and nephews, John Hopkin Meissner (Melissa) from Glastonbury, CT, and Thomas Meissner from New Milford, CT. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 18th at 3pm at the Union University Church in Alfred with the Rev. Laurie DeMott officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the A.E. Crandall Hook & Ladder Co. 5 Main St., Alfred, NY 14802. To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @brownpowersfh, the family is being assisted by director Gerald R. Brown.