By Terrance Smith
Community General Manager
The Desert Ridge Community Association Board of Directors would like to convey their respects and appreciation on behalf our community in remembrance of Nicholas Meris, who passed away on December 13, 2015.
Nick Meris was one of Desert Ridge’s founding residents, a visionary and dedicated community volunteer and advocate of Desert Ridge who served initially as Board President of the Glen Eagle HOA and later progressed to becoming a member of the Desert Ridge Homeowners Network (i.e., an organized group of about 15 community residents that united to work with the community developer and builders in the interest of helping to shape their new community) that provided input to the Desert Ridge Community Association Board of Directors during the Master Developer control period of the Master Association. Nick had a strong sense of responsibility of giving back to the community through his service to the community. This conviction led Nick to many years of service within local neighborhood groups, networks and eventually the Desert Ridge Community Association Board of Directors.
Nick would later become one of the first community residents elected to serve on the Desert Ridge Community Association (Master Association) Board of Directors and was instrumental in the transition of the Desert Ridge Community Association Board of Directors from the Master Developer control to the community homeowners. After the Desert Ridge Homeowners Network was replaced by an elected Board of Directors, Nick continued to volunteer at the Mayo Hospital for a period of 16 years. He was also honored with numerous awards for his contributions and dedication for his extraordinary community service, which included the “Friends of Phoenix” award and “Front Porch Bench Award”, both awarded to him by the Mayor of Phoenix.
Nick was an inspiration to a number of people throughout the Desert Ridge Community. As the Community General Manager for Desert Ridge, I did not have the good fortune to work with Nick Meris, but I did have the opportunity to meet and present him with a service recognition award on behalf of the community in 2013. I was very impressed with his continued interest in the affairs and particularly the future of Desert Ridge. He espoused the importance of residents being actively involved so they can have a voice in the progress and improvement of Desert Ridge by attending meetings, volunteering to serve on a committee or even running for a seat on the board of directors.
Nick was once quoted as saying in the summer of 2010, “I see great things for the future of Desert Ridge. While the housing situation won’t correct itself overnight, if we keep alert and keep doing the right things, we’ll get the stable growth we need”. Nick will be truly missed in the community and our hearts…but his legend and legacy will endure for generations to come. Nick’s imprint shall continue as a lasting reminder in our community with the Desert Ridge Community Association dedicating and placing a memorial brick paver in Nick Meris’ name in Cashman Park at Desert Ridge to honor Nick’s meritorious service, volunteerism, contributions, inspiration and community spirit!
Nick is survived by his devoted wife and life love of 59 years, Joanne, three dearly-loved children, Kathy, Valerie and William. He is also survived by his six wonderful grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, two godsons and seven nephews and nieces…and a community of thousands that are grateful to have been blessed by his leadership and vision!
