Dr. Jeff Meldrum's Idaho obituary, cause of death: Today is a very sad day for the scientific, academic, and cryptozoological communities as we mourn the loss of Dr. Jeffrey Meldrum. A singular figure in the profession, Dr. Meldrum was equal parts open-minded researcher and careful scientist. He is best known for his comprehensive studies of monkey locomotion and his controversial but well-considered work on the Sasquatch question. He left behind a deeply personal legacy for those who had the privilege of knowing him when he passed away today, in addition to his body of academic work.
For those outside the scientific or Bigfoot communities, Dr. Meldrum may have been a name linked to conversations about "fringe" science or inexplicable events. To those who knew him well, however, he was so much more. He was a gentle tutor, a kind conversationalist, and he wore his academic credentials with humble humility. He was once told, "I will meet your PhD with my three masters." from someone. He greeted the chat with a sense of humor and genuine interest, and instead of taking offense, he chuckled, as he often did.
Dr. Meldrum stood out for more reasons than only his willingness to discuss topics that are forbidden in academic circles, such as Sasquatch footprints and bipedal anomalies. It was his ability to make the connection between tolerant theory and rigorous investigation. His deep understanding of the connection between physical form and cognitive aptitude allows him to discuss everything from anatomical morphology to Howard Gardner's theories of multiple intelligences.
He was the kind of academic who would take a wild notion under consideration because he believed it was worth looking into, not because he believed all of them to be correct.
Many will remember him fondly for his unique presentations, including the infamous "bonobo balls" address, which became something of a legend in some quarters. It was classic Meldrum—intelligent, out-of-the-box, grounded in biology, and just a little irreverent. If you do, you know it.
But his humanity was perhaps most noteworthy. Dr. Meldrum was a steady, mature presence in a sector that too often devolves into infighting, vanity, and conspiracy. He was sincere in a field where sincerity is becoming hard to find. While others were drawn into drama or posturing, he stayed focused on the crucial issues, the facts, and the discussions. His participation gave the event a more somber tone and served as a reminder that academic research should never come at the expense of moral integrity.
We have lost more than simply a colleague for those of us who were lucky enough to share our opinions with him, regardless of how absurd or odd they may have been. We lost a friend, a sounding board, and a special kind of scientist who believed that rather than dismissing the unknown, it was worth looking into.
Dr. Meldrum, Get lots of sleep. You were one of the nice ones, the real ones. And your voice will be missed in every sincere conversation about truth, mystery, and what it means to search with both heart and mind.
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