A Legacy of Leadership and Generosity

The Seattle University community mourns the loss and reflects on the life of John Meisenbach, ’60, a Trustee Emeritus who passed away on October 7, 2024, surrounded by his family.

After two years in the Navy Submarine Service, Meisenbach came to Seattle University to study Philosophy and Pre-Law. Two years after graduating in 1960, he founded Meisenbach Capital Management (MCM), a financial services company where he served as chairman for the rest of his life. Meisenbach and his company have received many accolades over the 60 years MCM has been in business, ranking as one of Washington’s 100 Best Companies to work for (Seattle Business), Best Workplaces (Puget Sound Business Journal) and one of the top 75 corporate philanthropists (Seattle Business) in the state.

Throughout his life Meisenbach served on several boards including Costco, Expeditors International, M Financial Group, McCormick Capital Management, Children’s Hospital and Atlantic Street Center.

“John was exceptional on so many levels,” says Pete Fewing, former head coach of SU Men’s Soccer. “He was genuine, generous, kind, humble, had a great sense of humor and always looked for ways to help without being noticed. John was a force of nature in the best way possible.”

Throughout his successful career, Meisenbach continued to stay involved with Seattle University. He served as Regent Emeritus and Trustee Emeritus on the Board of Trustees from 2002 to 2011. Additionally, he was on the Alumni Board of Governors, the Albers Business Advisory Committee, the Gala Scholarship Event Committee, the Albers Dean's Advisory Board and a mentor for the Albers MBA Mentorship program. In 2006, Meisenbach was honored as the university’s Alumnus of the Year, the highest recognition awarded to alumni. Meisenbach and his late wife Ginny were honored as recipients of the St. Ignatius Medal in 2013, a prestigious award given to those whose leadership, humility and outstanding service to the university contribute to Seattle University's vision of a just and humane world.

“John Meisenbach has been one of Seattle University’s best friends from graduation till his passing.  He served as a trustee and a campaign co-chair, gave us Championship Field, and supported many students, especially men’s and women’s soccer players,” says Stephen Sundborg, S.J., Seattle University chancellor and former president. “He was a leader in the Seattle business community and has been described by many as ‘the most generous person I know.’”

An influential and inspiring philanthropist, the John & Ginny Meisenbach Foundation provided tremendous financial support to Seattle University, as well as the Seattle Symphony, Mary’s Place and various other organizations across the region. The Meisenbachs also volunteered much of their time to community work, supporting organizations including Make-a-Wish, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Pacific NW Ballet and Virginia Mason Hospital.

Meisenbach was very involved with Seattle University Athletics, often engaging with student athletes by taking teams out for dinners with guest speakers to teach life lessons to the students.

“John said our number one job as coaches was to help our student athletes get their first job and to prepare them. Many of our players said the best meals they ever had were given by John Meisenbach,” recalls Fewing. “He was a great friend and I have been blessed to know him. We will play his legacy forward.”

A celebration of Meisenbach's life is 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 28, at Benaroya Hall (200 University St., Seattle, WA 98101), followed by a reception at noon at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel (411 University St., Seattle, WA 98101).