Melvin Smith

Melvin (Mel) Smith, 80, died suddenly at his home in Libby. He went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 15, 2015. He was born December 23, 1934, in Pateros, Wash., to Frederick and Delores Smith.

He grew up and graduated from Chelan High School soon after joined the Army, stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., where he trained to be a paratrooper. He went home to Chelan on leave where a pretty girl named Shirley Hanson caught his eye. They became pen pals and wrote one another for a year. Shirley then moved to Peoria, Ill., to wok. They saw each other as much as possible, and fell madly in love. Soon after, Mel asked Shirley to marry him, and of course she said yes.

Being young and in love, they got all dressed up and decided to drive around and find a church that was open thinking they could just go in and get married. They found one with lights on, went in and asked if they could get married. They got interviewed by the pastor and the pastor then told them to wait a minute, he would be right back. The churched happened to be having a big Christmas party, so all the people were told to wait, there was going to be a wedding. So the Christmas party turned into a big, wedding celebration. They were the love of each other’s lives and married for 60 wonderful years. They were each other’s best friend.

Mel worked at Boeing in Seattle, Wash., for eight years. He loved the mountains and wanted to live where he could enjoy God’s creations. He got a job in Diablo, Wash., where he worked at Ross Dam for seven years as a hydroelectric operator. Due to automation, Mel had to move his family from Diablo. This was hard as he loved Diablo. He got a job at McNary Dam with the Corps of Engineers, but did not like the desert land. He then moved his family to Colfax, Wash., where he started the first generator at Lower Granite Dam. The family lived there for 13 years, but the mountains kept calling his name. He got a job at Libby Dam in Montana. This was a dream of his. Mel and Shirley call Libby home and have lived here for 22 years. They have many friends who are so like family to them.

Mel loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, family and friends. Mel made a huge impact in his community. His compassion and friendship have touched so many lives and his absence from this world will affect many. He always had a smile and huge hug for everyone. Mel loved the Lord and loved sharing God’s word and his faith. He was an active member of Faith Bible Church. He lived as an example in word, deed and action according to God’s word.

Mel was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather, and friend.

He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; one brother, Dick; sister Carol; three daughters, Barb, Sharry and Debbie; one son, Mike and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at Faith Bible Church in Libby. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.