Francis Melvin Crompton, 96

In loving memory of Francis Melvin Crompton (Mel) of Lakeside.

Mel was born Nov. 26, 1926 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Jane Boulton Crompton and Francis Fielding Crompton. He spent his early years living in Salt Lake City and graduated from West High School in 1944. He joined the Merchant Marines shortly after high school and was a Morse Code radio operator on several Liberty ships. Mel saw active duty and was honorably discharged at the end of World War II.

Mel was an academic and intellectual who enthusiastically encouraged his children to further their education. He was a great example. In 1950 Mel graduated from the University of Utah having completed an undergraduate degree in civil engineering in three years. He worked for the Utah Department of Health and then the U.S. Public Health Service in Boston.

It was in Boston that he met the love of his life Beverly Thorpe Hinkelman. They were married Nov. 26, 1953 in Bristol, Connecticut. In 1954 he went on to obtain his master’s degree in sanitary engineering from Harvard University. After graduation Mel continued working for the U.S. government, rising through the ranks and eventually retiring in 1975 as director of engineering for the National Flood Insurance Program.

Determined to keep busy after retirement he briefly taught college physics and in 1981 moved to Red Deer, Alberta where he worked as an engineer with Alberta Environment. In 1991 he officially retired from engineering and he and Bev moved south to enjoy beautiful Lakeside.

Mel was an extremely hard worker and had a passion for building or remodeling homes. He was an accomplished craftsman and enjoyed performing all of the work himself. Over the years, he and Bev worked together to build eight single-family homes in Ohio, Michigan, Maryland, Ontario and Montana. Their dream home was their last house overlooking Flathead Lake in Lakeside.

On a personal level, Mel was known for his quick wit and dry sense of humor, his determination and love for adventure. Mel and Bev enjoyed many hours together researching their genealogy in the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. This hobby took them on adventures to Poland, England and Germany.

Mel will be dearly missed and is survived by his four children Catherine (Matt), David (Rosanne), Samuel (Anna), and Leslie; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and extended family in Utah and Maryland.

He was predeceased by Beverly, his wife of 50 years.

The family will be holding a private service in honor of Mel. The family also wishes to extend their humble gratitude to all the staff at Brendan House for their angelic care. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the charity of your choice or to Logan Health – Brendan House at www.logan.org/foundation/make-a-donation.

Arrangements are under the care of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.