Melvin H. Melsby, 86, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away at his home on Monday, February 9, 2009.
He was born on July 14, 1922 in Watertown, South Dakota, the son of Helmer & Cora Scherer Melsby. He was raised and attended school in St. Paul, Minnesota.
On January 24, 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in Hawaii for a while and then at N.A.S. Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor. During his stay in Oak Harbor he met Josephine Swanson and they were united in marriage on September 8, 1945. After his discharge in December of 1945 they made their home briefly in Anacortes before moving to St. Paul, MN.
In the late 1940’s they returned to the Skagit Valley making their home in Mount Vernon and Melvin worked as an accountant for the Bert Robinson’s Hardware Store and Hamel Pontiac. In 1962 they moved to Sedro-Woolley and he continued working as an accountant for Bingham Investment, Skagit Lumber and H. Bean Hardware. In 1971 Melvin & Josephine moved to Cosmopolis and Melvin began working as an accountant for the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries out of Aberdeen. He returned to Sedro-Woolley after his retirement in 1987.
Melvin was preceded in death by two brothers Harley and Erwin.
He is survived by his loving wife, Josephine of Sedro-Woolley. Two sons, Don Melsby and his wife, Thyrza of Sedro-Woolley and Gary Melsby and his wife, Perla of Edmond, OK. Four grandchildren, Mike Melsby of Marysville, WA, Debbie Melsby of Anacortes, WA, Chris Allen and his wife Jeanne of Mountlake Terrace, WA and Gregory Melsby of Edmond, OK. His brother, Earl Melsby of Florida and numerous nieces and nephews.
Melvin enjoyed fishing and especially gardening and had a large garden where he would grow a variety of flowers and vegetables.
He was a past member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sedro-Woolley.
At his request there will be no services. Memorials are suggested to North Puget Oncology, Helping Hands Food Bank, Skagit Meals on Wheels or a charity of your choice.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.