Deceased November 15, 1996
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In Memory
A number of classmates approached me at Reunion inquiring about Derek Meader. Nobody had heard of his death. Derek died on Nov. 15, 1996, of complications resulting from AIDS.
After Amherst, Derek came to New York City to seek out a career as an actor. He, unlike most of his peers with similar ambitions (myself included), succeeded. In 1974 he was accepted as a member of the Trinity Square Repertory Company in Providence, R.I., where he remained a member through 1990. He divided his time between Trinity and many other theatrical engagements including Broadway, off-Broadway, regional work and touring companies which took him all over the country. He also worked on a number of film and television projects.
In addition to Amherst, Derek graduated from Julliard with an A.A. in music. He was a professional violinist as well as an accomplished actor. He also attended the National Theatre Institute.
I wasn’t really a close friend of Derek’s—more a friendly acquaintance. But I did see him on rare occasions in New York, and it was always a pleasure to "catch up." I was lucky to be able to attend a memorial service held for Derek in February of 1997 at the Criterion Center in New York. It was an evening full of laughter and tears, where many of his dearest friends took the time to talk about him or tell an anecdote, and I left that night feeling truly honored to have known him. He was a gifted, talented and brilliant man who touched many lives.
My thanks to George Brecka, Derek’s partner during the last years of his life, for reminding me who Derek was and what he accomplished.
George Dash ’74