Lelan James Meigs

Lelan James Meigs passed away on February 6, 2021 at his home in Platte Clove overlooking Indian Head Mountain.  He was born June 20, 1928 to Allan and Emma Meigs on the same property he took his last breath.  He was the second youngest in a family of six. Lelan lived independently until a fall on Christmas Eve resulted in a hospital admission, which was followed by hospice at home.  Lead by his nephew, Johnny Byrne, “Team Lelan” caregivers lovingly worked around the clock to support him at home the last few weeks of his life.

Lelan was gifted with many talents including woodworking, logging, clock making, welding, and restoring old vehicles.  He was a mechanic for the Town of Hunter Highway Department from 1968 to 1986 and like his brother, Lauren, he could fix anything. His vintage 1925 model T that he restored was a highlight at the yearly Tannersville car show, which he won first prize for “pre-1950 Antiques” many years in a row.  He was an avid reader, and in his later years could be found sitting in his living room reading westerns by his favorite author, William Johnstone.

Though he preferred quiet, alone time, he enjoyed re-connecting with old friends and family when they were in the area, reminiscing about days gone by.  He especially enjoyed his visits with the Kurtz family from the Platte Clove Community, who would refer to him as Grandpa Lelan.  

Lelan is from a generation of hardworking families who settled the Platte Clove valley.  They didn’t have much, nor need much as their love of family and of place coupled with faith sustained them in ways unimaginable today. 

Lelan was preceded in death by his parents, five siblings (Allan, Ellsworth, Lorraine, Norma and Lauren) and wife, Alma.  

​Donations can be sent to Community Hospice, 47 Liberty St., Catskill, NY 12414.