Richard H. Meyn

Richard “Dick” Meyn died in Santa Barbara on December 19, 2023 at the age of 94 – although he always rounded up his age at the midpoint, so he would say he was 95.

Dick was born in New York City on May 19, 1929, the son of German immigrants. He grew up in New York and showed artistic talents and interests from an early age. Dick attended Parsons School of Design in New York City, despite his father’s concern that he would never be able to make any money in such a career. Following his graduation from Parsons, Dick did post-graduate work in France and Italy, after which he was drafted into the army during the Korean War. Dick lamented that the army assigned him to the military police rather than to a role where he could have contributed his design skills.

Following his discharge from the service, Dick took a trip that was to set the trajectory for the rest of his life. While studying at the Sorbonne in Paris, he had befriended someone from Santa Barbara. Dick came to visit his friend and he immediately loved the beauty of Santa Barbara and the California lifestyle. That visit occurred in 1954 and he lived in Santa Barbara ever since.

Seeking work related to interior design, he took a position as a “duster” in the Henry Levy Furniture store. As he spoke with and advised entering customers – who only saw Dick as an extremely knowledgeable employee and didn’t realize they were taking to the lowly duster – he was soon generating a significant amount of business for the store. Eventually, he and two colleagues established Byars, Alexander and Meyn, a highly successful interior design firm in Montecito, and Dick’s work was featured twice in Architectural Digest. In 1990 Dick joined Christopher Teasley Interior Design and continued to work for a devoted clientele. Although he officially retired in 2010, up until his death Dick continued sharing his design talents with others.

Beyond his professional talents, Dick led an extremely active social life. He was charming and fun to be with, and he hosted and attended numerous dinner parties, galas, and events. As someone who enjoyed music, Dick became involved with the Music Academy of the West where for many years he served as a compeer for vocal students. He enjoyed attending their classes and performances as well as introducing them to Santa Barbara. He took great pride in his students’ subsequent musical career accomplishments and remained friends with many of them over the years.

Dick was a dog lover and had several very beautiful – and very spoiled – poodles. He loved travelling and seeing the wonders of the world and had visited most of the continents. He especially treasured his many cruises with his friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Alvine Meyn, and his twin brother, Charles Meyn. He is succeeded by his nieces Sandy Borden (Max) of Pagosa Springs, CO and Denise Halley (Gordie) of Chateaugay, NY, his nephew Charles Meyn (Terrie) of Seneca Falls, NY and their families, his sister-in-law Connie Meyn of Seneca Falls, NY and his cousin Nancy Marlin (Fred Kolkhorst) of San Diego, CA, together with his many friends and colleagues, especially Christopher Teasley and Stephen Singleton.

At Dick’s request, there will be no services. But he probably wouldn’t mind if people raised a glass of vodka, his favorite drink, in his honor.