Meeks, Louis W., MD Renowned orthopedic surgeon, of Newton, MA, died on September 14, from advanced pulmonary disease. A gifted and empathetic surgeon and beloved professor, Dr. Meeks was surrounded by his extended family. He was 78. A lifelong practitioner and associate professor of medicine, Dr. Meeks had a storied career at some of the top medical schools and hospitals in the country, first at the University of Michigan, where he attended Medical School and served as president of the Michigan Orthopedic Society, and later at Harvard Medical School and at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center where Dr. Meeks pioneered minimally invasive orthopedic procedures for both professional athletes and non-athletes alike. His gifts as a surgeon were complimented by his extraordinary teaching skills, earning both Outstanding Surgery Instructor at the University of Michigan in 1974, and the prestigious “Golden Apple Award” for his work, teaching students at Harvard Medical School in 2001. Dr. Meeks often said that he learned more about medicine and compassion during his tour of duty during the Vietnam War where he saved the lives of hundreds of American soldiers and helped pioneer new vascular procedures. Dr. Meeks was devoted to his adopted home of Boston, becoming a loyal fan of his beloved Patriots, Celtics and the Red Sox. Dr. Meeks served on the boards of several local institutions, including The Wang Center and New England Conservatory. Dr. Meeks and his wife, Berneda, were well known for their generous hospitality in their community, and always opened their home to charitable organizations. During a life devoted to serving his country, community and his patients, Dr. Meeks was always upbeat and optimistic. Dr. Meeks was happiest around his devoted family. He is survived by his wife, Berneda Meeks; his five children Michelle McCormick (West Bloomfield, MI), his namesake Louis Meeks II (Northville, MI), John Meeks (Atherton, CA), Laura Meeks Saltonstall (Newton, MA), and Jim Meeks (Grand Rapids, MI); and his eleven grandchildren, Kellen, Danielle, Louie III, Riley, Jonathan, Teddy, Annie, Katherine, Ellie, Anna, and Adam Thomas. .A private burial was held at New Westside Cemetery in Edgartown, MA on September 16th. A Memorial Service is planned for 3pm on Friday, September 25th at the Church of the Redeemer in Chestnut Hill, MA. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Dr. Meeks to the Max Warburg Courage Curriculum (http://maxcourage.org/).