Melvin Spaur

Melvin L. Spaur, 89, longtime Wishkah Valley resident, died at Grays Harbor Community Hospital on Sunday, March 13, 2011. Mel was born on October 22, 1921 in Oregon City and moved to Maury Island, Washington at age five. In 1932, he moved to Hoquiam. Mel served in the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1938 to 1939. He married the love of his life, Emily Hogberg, in 1942 and they moved into their home in the Wishkah Valley. Mel served in the 327th Squadron of the Army Air Corps from 1942 and was Honorably Discharged in 1943, having earning medals for his rifle marksmanship. He was employed at the Grays Harbor Chair Factory and later as a batchman for the Graystone Corporation, retiring from the company in 1983. Mel was an amazing dad and captivated his children and grandchildren with the stories of his childhood. He was known for his lively sense of humor. He loved the Lord, his family, Model A's, camping on the Olympic Peninsula, reading and watching anything about World War II aircraft, and tending his prize vegetable garden. He also loved singing old gospel songs. Melvin was preceded in death by his wife Emily, his sister June Duan and his brothers Don, Ray, Tom, and Bill. He is survived by his daughters: Emily Evans of Hoquiam, Sandy Bellafatto of Aberdeen, and Judy and husband Bob Dunn of Anderson Island, Washington; a son: Thomas and wife Sue Spaur of Aberdeen; a sister Mabel Bryant of Kapowsin and brothers Ed and Bob of Aberdeen and Ken of Hoquiam. Mel will be laid to rest at Fern Hill in a graveside service with military honors at 11am on Friday, March 18, officiated by Pastor Don Eaton. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Faith House Ministries in Mel's name. The family would like to thank Dr. Daniel Canfield and Dr. David Konn for their phenomenal care and support during Mel's illness. A card of condolence or of a memory can be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com Arrangements are through Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen.