NAIFA is sad to learn that association Past President Dennis R. Merideth, CLU, ChFC, of Tucson, AZ, passed away September 10. He was a loyal NAIFA member since 1971.

Merideth began his insurance career at the age of 20 after serving as a helmsman on Polaris nuclear submarines and majoring in insurance at the University of Arizona, according to a November 2000 article in Advisor Today. He served as president of his local chapter and NAIFA-Arizona before moving to national leadership positions. He served six years on the NAIFA National Board of Trustees before becoming President for the 2000-2001 term.

The second NAIFA President after the association changed its name from the National Association of Life Underwriters, Merideth “emphasized the need to expand NAIFA’s services to new markets while continuing to serve the needs of its traditional members,” according to Advisor Today. Always with a smile, he was a strong, positive, forward-looking NAIFA President at an important time, and a warm and friendly leader to members and staff.