WHL mourns passing of Red Deer journalist Greg Meachem
The Western Hockey League is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of longtime Red Deer Advocate and Red Deer Rebels journalist Greg Meachem, who passed away Thursday following a brief illness.
Since 2016, Meachem served as a writer for the Rebels website, following a celebrated 35-year career with the Red Deer Advocate.
“Greg was not only an outstanding journalist, but a friend,” said Brent Sutter, Owner, President and General Manager of the Rebels. “For the entirety of the Rebels franchise, Greg has been the voice of junior hockey in our community, bringing the stories of our players to the couches and coffee tables of Rebels fans everywhere. Our league, franchise, and myself personally, will miss him dearly.”
Originally from Creighton, Sask., Meachem moved to Alberta where he pursued a post-secondary education at SAIT in Calgary, prior to embarking on a lengthy career in journalism.
In 1981, he joined the Advocate, where he worked in the sports department until 2016.
Meachem was a staple in the sports community in Red Deer, having followed and reported on the Rebels since they joined the WHL in 1992. Not only was he the local expert on everything Rebels, he provided broader coverage of the WHL, keeping fans close to the ice and connected to the players.
“Greg was a valued member of the WHL’s media community for more than 40 years and will be greatly missed,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “From his time with the Red Deer Advocate through his continued work with the Red Deer Rebels, Greg’s dedication and passion for junior hockey shone brightly through his informative and detailed coverage of the WHL.”
Meachem is survived by his wife Brenda, daughter Kelsey (Evan), son Dallas, and two grandchildren.