An accomplished physician, lover of art and travel, and connoisseur of authentic food and good wine, Dr. Lingen Meiring’s life didn’t come to an end with his death. Lin passed away peacefully and unexpectedly in his home on Sunday February 6, 2022 at the age of 88. As they say in South Africa, “n groot boom het geval.” “A big tree has fallen.”
Born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa in 1933 to Nico and Rally Meiring, Lingen quickly established himself as a competitive swimmer which culminated by seizing a spot on the South African Olympic swim team. After making it to the finals in the 100 meter back-stroke of the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki Finland, Lin and his teammates caught the eye of the OU swim coach looking to build a winning team in Norman.
Lin loved to tell the story of when the South Africans hit campus, with snow on the ground, in Bermuda shorts and sandals. It’s all they had.
Soon after, a blind date with a Theta, Ann Sheridan Watson, was followed by marriage, four children, medical school, a red brick house in Heritage Hills and a beat-up old white Porche that he drove with pride.
His dedication to medicine soon revealed itself as he blazed a trail as one of the leading Ear, Nose and Throat doctors in the region. He was one of the first ENTs to use a surgical laser, was featured on local newscasts and dedicated himself to his patients who recount to this day about his wonderful bedside manner. In fact, it was a common occurrence to watch him be approached by patients in public who would say, “I’m sorry to interrupt, but you changed my life.” Those moments were never lost on four children watching their father create a reputation as a caring and competent doctor.
While work was demanding, he made every effort to attend his children’s sporting events, graduations, and special milestones. He was always there.
Lin had an adventurous side too which led to a vacation home in Crested Butte that remained in the family for over 30 years. Some of the fondest Meiring memories of CB include Lin making his famous Caesar Salad (stolen from Junior’s) and beef tenderloin on New Year’s Eve. This all occurred while solving puzzles at the table and talking about funny moments of the day.
Having relatives visit from South Africa including Ouma and Oupa (Lin’s parents), and his sisters Marie and Poppet was always a treat and major event. His niece, Marjka Nel, got to come for a year long visit and was delighted by her Uncle Lin’s eclectic jazz collection.
After Lin retired, it seems that’s when he hit his stride. Cooking classes, book clubs and I-Hop breakfasts with his retired doctor “RODEO” friends. He bought ATV’s and attended the Utah Jamboree many times. When he bought a Can-Am motorcycle, he equipped it with a cane-holder and handicapped sticker. Lin was also an avid traveler. He saw the world with many trips to South Africa, Panama City, Greece, Singapore and just before he passed, he spent three weeks in Paris with his beloved companion Beverly Chansoime. Having lunch atop the Eiffel Tower, just a few weeks ago, was truly a highlight of his life. It’s to Beverly we owe much gratitude for making his final years full of love and joy.
Lin was preceded in death by his parents, Nicolaas Meiring and Rachel Burger Naude Meiring and brother, Pieter Naude Meiring and brother in-law, William Richard Weeks.
He is survived by sister, Marie Susanna Weeks and sister, Leonora Elizabeth “Poppet” Nel and her husband Johan Philip Nel, all residing in South Africa. Children, Marcia Meiring of Oklahoma City (Liza and Sasha Meiring), Paul and Sarah Meiring of Summit, NJ (Anna, Nic and Henry), Philip Meiring of Overland Park, KS (Amy and Emily) and Pieter and Stacy Meiring of Oklahoma City (Benjamin, Isaac and Huxley).
For those fully vaccinated, a service celebrating Lin’s life will be held Friday at 11am at Hahn Cook Funeral Home followed by a gathering of friends and family at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.
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