Melvin George Parker

Surrounded by his children, Melvin George Parker, 80, passed away on his father’s birthday from an extended illness Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Mel is survived by his wife, Lerah, her two girls, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, as well as six children, 35 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Mel was born April 1, 1937 to Richard and Norma Parker in Lethbridge, Alberta. After spending four years in a hospital preschool for children with Tuberculosis, he returned home where he learned to walk for the first time. After six years, Mel removed the braces from his legs and began walking without assistance. He fondly remembered the look on his mother’s face when he walked on his own for the first time. He contributes his grace and determination to his mother who taught him to accept life for what it is. Reflecting on his proudest family moment, Mel remembers the day his father returned home from World War II.

He attended University of Montana in Missoula, where he studied forestry and earned his bachelor of science degree in forest management with a minor in forest pathology. Mel worked as a block forester for St. Regis Paper Company where he practiced timber management and harvesting land. In 1985, Mel was recognized for his accomplishments by the Society of American Foresters by receiving Forester of the Year.

In 1986, Mel and his wife, Lerah, opened Raintree Nursery and ran it for 13 years. Aside from his love of the nursery, Mel found love and compassion in being a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 at Libby Christian Church at 100 Kootenai River Rd. in Libby.

Following the service, lunch will be held for family and friends to celebrate his life.