Lowell Vernon Melby, 85

Lowell Vernon Melby passed away the evening of Sunday, May 22, 2022, at home in Bigfork. He was 85 years old.

Lowell was born April 25, 1937, in Kalispell to parents Carnie and Carrie Melby. In 1954, Lowell enlisted in the United States Air Force and served on active duty through 1957 when he was honorably discharged. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal for serving during the Korean War and a Good Conduct Medal recognizing character and efficiency ratings of excellent or higher. He fulfilled his eight-year military service obligation in 1962.

He married Patricia Wright in 1960 and settled down to start a family in Kalispell. They welcomed four daughters, Ellen, Denise, LoLynn and Julie — all of whom grew up and went to school in the Flathead Valley. Dad worked for Plum Creek’s Evergreen Mill and eventually, he and Mom built a home and settled down near Echo Lake. After retiring, their focus shifted to family, friends, and enjoying their home.

Dad was known and respected by so many for the kindness and sense of humor that he carried with him on his daily neighborhood walks. He could always be counted on to offer a helping hand to anyone who needed it and, at 85 years old, Dad was still the first person anyone called if a tree needed to be cut down, topped, or hauled away. He was also extremely diligent about keeping in touch with his girls and family. We believe he must have held some kind of record for making the most consistent and efficient birthday and holiday phone calls every year.

He is survived by his four daughters, Ellen Mayhan and husband Ray of Paulden, Arizona, Denise Robinson and husband Dennis of Kalispell, LoLynn (Lisa) Melby of Kalispell, and Julie Melby of Bigfork; grandchildren, Christopher of Arizona, Amber of Arizona, and Joseph of Kalispell; great-grandchildren, Teka, Allie, Devin, Serenity, Emma, Kinsley, Tabitha, Laila, Gillian and Garrett; and great-great-grandson, Silias.

Lowell was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Patricia, his siblings Lawrence, Darlene and Diane, his mother and father, and great-granddaughter Shannon Mayhan.

It is with heavy hearts that we all say goodbye to our Dad and Grandpa. We know that he and Mom will have a pot of hot coffee and a freshly made cheesecake ready for us when we see them again. We love and miss you very much, Dad.

A celebration of life will be held in September.