Memorial Day

Dad was proud to be a Veteran of Foreign War.  Today, I am taking time to remember the millions of veterans, including my father, for whose service I am grateful.  

A friend visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial this week and sent me these pictures. Mom & Dad had planned to take their oldest grand-daughter to D. C. this year on an educational vacation. I wish she had been able to see this memorial with him. I'm glad that I did. 

Sturgis South

Dad liked motorcycles, but he never owned one. He and mom used to tell us that they were going to buy a motorcycle with a sidecar one day and tour the country. Obviously, they never got the chance. So, Dad enjoyed seeing other people's motorcycles - especially at the Sturgis South Rally. For the last few years, he was a volunteer at the Village Cycle Center dinner. As I understand it, he helped direct people into their parking spaces. Then, on Saturday, Dad (and often other members of our family) would go to Wendy's and watch the procession of motorcycles. 

  

For clarification, the motorcycle mentioned here was actually a Vespa scooter. Dad was a couple of decades ahead of the scooter trend with that one! 

Brad

3/19/08

The time that I had to get to know Melvin was most special. We had developed a great working relationship, but also, he was a great neighbor and friend. He was a very kind and caring individual, which he showed to me and my family on numerous occasions. His kindness was greatly appreciated and will certainly be missed.

Sincerely,

Brad

Armando & Ruth

I will always remember Melvin as a member of my Sunday School class. I admired his quietly dignified stature. He was generally soft-spoken, but when he spoke there was depth in his words and wisdom in his opinion.

Melvin was the most accommodating person I have known. I, my family, and others were always comfortable to ask him questions, and for his help, on any household problems - from clogged washing machines to a sagging backyard fence.

He left me a very lasting impression. . . Armando

During the Katrina Relief, I worked as a housing coordinator volunteer. In every housing need situation we encountered, Melvin always showed the aura of confidence and he always geave me the assurance that housing will be found. 

To me, he was the "Southern" gentleman.  

Ruth

Patrick & Janey

Patrick and I did not know Melvin really well, but one thing we both remember about him - HIS SMILE. Whether it be running into him at Cappe's during lunch or in the hall at church, he always had a sweet, warm smile!

Patrick & Janey

Glen

The thing I remember most about Melvin was how friendly he was. I remember how he always played with the children when the family got together. He was always so happy.

Glen

Paul & Laura

I knew Melvin primarily though our Sunday school class. We often sat next to each other. He was well informed on various topics and firm in his beliefs.

Melvin was a friend who was always willing to help when needed.

One thing I will always remember is how Melvin would "toot" the horn of his pickup when he saw me working in the yard.

Above all things, it was evident how much Melvin loved his family.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all of you.

Paul & Laura

Tom

My memories of Melvin are of a man with strong convictions, especially religious ones. He was also a family man, proud of each one of you.

My other memory of Melvin is that he was skilled in building trades and a source of invaluable information for my many personal projects. When in doubt or ignorance, I asked Melvin. He was patient and helpful. 

I miss him as such a resource. 

I miss him in the Inquirer's Class. 

I miss him as a friend.

Tom

Ben

The character of a man reveals itself quickly to other men. . . and so did Melvin's.

It was evident from our enjoyable conversations that Melvin loved his family, was a patriot, and an honest individual with a real joy for living that he contagiously shared with others.

His love of the land, tree farming, and the outdoors was a common interest of all of us on the farm. We spent enjoyable times planting and planning.

Although I will deeply miss his friendship and physical presence at the farm, his spirit will always be there, and I feel his presence and remember him fondly every time I am there.

Ben

Toni

I viewed Melvin as a trusted, very intelligent friend. He was one of the most efficient people I've ever known. Some times "deep thinking" people can be dull or poor communicators. Melvin's personality was best marked by balance: in sense of humor, business efficiency, and logic.

I called on him more than once about having to care for an aging parent; we had that in common. Just a sentence or two from him would help me know how to handle yet another dilemma. 

I have had a journey in life about friendships. I have depended on a small group of friends to help me. Both Melvin and Jan are in the "special" circle.

It is a serious loss, a test of faith, because of his many, spontaneous contributions to those he met in the day-to-day. I can only imagine what a test of faith this is. But I can tell you that to have had a husband/father you can be proud of is a Gift.

Fondly,

Toni

2-29-08

Pat

Fond Memories

Having a young couple move to White Drive with children was so exciting!

I can still see you pushing Lady in a stroller.

Then there were too many memories to mention, but one that stands out is Melvin walking down the driveway as I was leaving from your baby shower (Alyson). 

Melvin said, "Now, it's your turn."

We laughed, and the following April, my youngest son was born!!! (I was 40.)

What a blessing our children are!

Love,

Pat

Joe & Becky

02/23/08

Becky and I can't look at much around our house that doesn't remind us of Melvin-flag pole, garden sheds, ceiling fans, etc. Was there anything he couldn't cheerfully do? We doubt it. To us-and I daresay to other "unhandy" homeowners hearabouts-he was truly a blessing.

One has earlier memories of course of the "faculty lounge" out on 45A. 

Fried pickles and fellowship, presided over by a genial Melvin.

We were stunned to read of his passing and still feel a sense of personal loss.

He left us much too soon. God bless him.

Sincerely,

Joe & Becky

Mildred & Paul

Feb. 17, 2008

Never did I think I would be writing this note.

I had recently looked again at our Christmas cards, and I treasure yours with that wonderful picture. Melvin was such a fine man and a "true gentleman" in every sense of the work. Paul and I both treasure the time that we worked with him when Harry Simrall died. There is no way to imagine how much you and the girls miss him, but I know your wonderful memories will carry you through with God's help. 

Most sincerely, 

Mildred

Toni

Melvin, intellectually, is what is known as a free thinker. His approach to life is always "outside the box." He could read culture/conventional wisdom without joining the fray. The most obvious trait of character is that he could be trusted. In the late 1990's, I left life as I knew it to get my mother out of legal trouble she did not deserve. Melvin - and Jan- provided the house of my dreams to live in, and be able to retire, which meant financially trusting me. Therefore, I look for ways to help others because of what Melvin and his family did for me.

Melvin's membership in this community is much like being a "dark horse." Without fanfare or glamour he has had a profound affect on the lives of people.

The funeral exposed that truth.

Fondly,
Toni

3-30-08