Longtime Sandy resident, Melvin Gillespie passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2016 at his home.
A Memorial Service will be held at Sandy Funeral Home on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Willamette National Cemetery.
Melvin William Gillespie was born on December 8, 1923 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Stanley and Violet Gillespie. He was raised and received his schooling in Gresham. Shortly after graduating from Gresham High School he entered the U.S. Marines and was a Veteran of World War II and the Korean War.
On February 25, 1945, Melvin was united in marriage to Lois Keil in Santa Ana, California. Melvin and Lois lived in various areas due to Melvin’s service with the Marine Corps. In the late 1940’s they moved to Oregon, making their home in the Damascus area where they raised their family. Melvin was employed at Reynolds Aluminum until transferring to Harvey Aluminum in The Dalles in 1957. Three years later, the family made their home in Gresham and Melvin was a grocery clerk at Fred Meyers in Portland. It was in 1966, that Melvin and Lois made their permanent home in Sandy. Melvin continued as a grocery clerk at Thriftway in Sandy until retiring at age 70.
Melvin was an avid fisherman, hunter and gardener. During the winter months, Melvin and Lois spent time as snowbirds in Arizona in their motor home until just 2 years ago. They also enjoyed camping at the John Day River, Diamond Lake, Powder River, Prineville Reservoir, Paulina Lake, Wickiup Reservoir and Crane Prairie Reservoir.
Melvin is survived by his wife Lois of 71 years; his son Greg and wife Doris Gillespie and his daughter Donna and John Christensen; grandchildren, Jeff (Cynthia), Pat (Jamie), Mike (Patti), Lisa (Josh) and Matt (Jordan); his great grandchildren, Cadence, Aria, Jefferson, Bryce, Abbey, Fisher, Truman, Lilly, Tennison, Daulton, Noah and Lucas; his brothers, Richard (Beverly) and Stan; his sister Marian and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Edmon and Duane and his sister Rosalie.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Mt. Hood Hospice.