Byron Oggle Meek, 102, of Seaside, died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008, in Seaside.

He was born Jan. 5, 1905, in King City, Mo., to Marcus and Minnie (Owens) Meek.

On Aug. 22, 1927, he married Hazle Shelley in Olympia, Wash. She preceded him in death March 3, 1995. The couple moved to Seaside in 1968.

Mr. Meek was instrumental in the selling of the concept for the funding of the Seaside Convention Center. He later helped organize events for its use. He served on a number of committees for the city of Seaside and the Seaside Chamber of Commerce, earning the title, “Mr. Seaside.” He helped re-establish the chamber of commerce in its present location, and lead the sale of bricks to pay for its landscaping.

He also worked hard on the rejuvenation of the Broadway Drive strip, naming it “The Million Dollar Walk.” He got the booklet “The Seaside Story” published. His efforts led the chamber of commerce to establish the annual “Byron Award,” given to the person who best exemplifies Mr. Meek’s efforts in working for a better community.

Mr. Meek created and oversaw “The Program,” which encompasses students in the fifth grade and challenges them to live their lives free of drugs, gangs, smoking and other questionable behavior, while rewarding them for the good things they do for themselves and others.

A celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Seaside Heights Elementary School, 2000 Spruce Drive.

Memorial contributions may be made to “The Program,” in care of Hughes-Ransom Cremation & Mortuaries, 220 N. Holladay Drive, Seaside, OR 97138.