Lakeland Boating Publisher Bing O'Meara Has Passed Away

Published: Tuesday, September 21, 2021

We are heartbroken to announce that Lakeland Boating's publisher, Walter "Bing" O'Meara, has passed away at the age of 81, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He will be deeply missed.

Walter "Bing" Burns O’Meara
July 5, 1940 - September 10, 2021

Walter “Bing” Burns O’Meara, age 81, passed away Friday, September 10, 2021 at Emerald Memory Care in Glenview, IL, after a long hard-fought battle with Alzheimer's.

Bing was born July 5, 1940 in Englewood, New Jersey, son of the late Walter and Mildred Burns O’Meara. He was raised in Demarest, NJ, and graduated from St. Cecilia High School and Fairleigh Dickinson University.

He spent the majority of his career in the marine industry and was the publisher of Lakeland Boating magazine for the past 38 years. He had a passion for boats, the water, people and dogs, which lasted throughout his life. Bing had an uncanny ability to tell a story, entertain readers and share his passion for boating. He loved life and the people he met along the way. Those who knew him will always remember his infectious laugh.

Bing is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Linda O’Meara; his children Kelly O'Meara Hampton (Dan Johnson), Ryan (Summer) O’Meara, and Cara (Ted) Drost; grandchildren Liam and Claire Hampton, Sean and Meghan O’Meara, and Chloë and Olivia Drost; sister Sharon O’Meara (Amy Periello); sisters-in-law Ann, Cheryl and Nobuko O’Meara; mother-in-law Shirley Buss; brother-in-law Bill (Joan) Buss; many extended family; and many dear friends. He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched.

In addition to his parents, Bing was preceded in death by his brothers Donald, Thomas and Jack O’Meara.

Bing’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and caregivers at Emerald Memory Care and all the professionals at Kindred Hospice.

For those who wish, contributions in Bing’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org/donate or call 1-800-272-3900) or MBIA Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation for scholarships benefiting Michigan’s marine industry (www.mbia.org/donations).

Or buy a friend a flower, fill out an organ donation card or do a good deed and think of Bing.

Please share any fond memories you have of Bing by emailing [email protected]