Melvin "Mel" Mosher

As proud as Melvin Mel Mosher was of his lifetime of accomplishments, nothing made him beam brighter than when he was sharing precious times with his family who were always his greatest source of pride. Once quiet and reserved, later in life Mel experienced a bit of a new lease on life and became much more open and outspoken than he had ever been. Mel was a doting grandfather who insisted on being kept informed of the latest what, when, and where in his grandchildrens lives since to Mel, nothing was of greater importance than loving this younger generation that became his lasting legacy. The year 1929 is often recalled as the year in which the Great Depression began, but it was a memorable year for many other reasons as well. It was also the year in which Herbert Hoover took office, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born, and the first World Series was played at Chicagos Wrigley Field. In that same year in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, Fred and Lola (Russell) Mosher were celebrating the birth of their son, Melvin, on October 6th. Melvin joined older sisters Dorothy and Evelyn in the Mosher family and with an eight year gap between he and Evelyn, it was almost like two different families which also grew to include his younger sister Connie. Melvins father worked at Bennett Pump while his mother was a homemaker. He attended local schools, loved sports, and participated in basketball. Mel attended Muskegon Heights High School, but since the depression had gripped our nation throughout the entire decade of the thirties, these were tight times. In order to help support his family, Mel dropped out of high school during the 10th grade to work instead. One day while he was at Hansons Dairy Bar, a favorite hang out, a young girl caught his eye. Her name was Jackie Hammond, but Mel decided to play it cool and not seem to be too interested in Jackie. She would have no part of this, however, so she relentlessly chased Mel until he gave in and they began dating. Their relationship eventually blossomed into true love, and they were married on November 17, 1951. After a honeymoon up north, the couple settled into married life together. In order to support his new bride, Mel worked at Brunswick Corporation, manufacturer of bowling balls. He initially started out in the ball plant, and then later worked in security. With this job Mel not only earned a paycheck, but he also satiated his love for bowling. In fact, Mel was a talented bowler himself so much so that Brunswick sent him to participate in tours all over the United States. He was known around work as the silver bullet to his many co-workers that were also his great friends. On one occasion, Mel and Jackie were invited to swim in their friends pool. Although he hated swimming pools, Mel accepted the offer. He ended up getting such a vicious sunburn that day that he had trouble walking for days, and this marked the last time Mel ever swam in a pool! From their earliest days, Mel and Jackie enjoyed a fulfilling relationship together. They had two really close friends for over 60 years the Andersons and the Winklers with whom they often played either cards or a game called Dog House. Mel and Jackie loved spending time in their yard together, were members of the Moose Lodge, and also of the Central United Methodist Church. Their lives were greatly enriched when Mel and Jackie were blessed with the birth of their daughter Sharon in 1957. Mel was a dedicated family man who supported Sharon in all of her school activities. Together their family took numerous trips to Mels sisters cabin in the Upper Peninsula where they enjoyed some time off. When Sharon finished all her schooling she also came to work at Brunswick, and her father couldnt have been prouder. He decided to form a bowling team that consisted of himself and Sharon, along with Sharons friend Joni and Mels friend Jim. They went on to win the league championship due entirely to Mels superb coaching. Even as the years passed by, Mel always spoke fondly of winning this championship. Life drastically changed for Mel as a result of being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. In the past he had always enjoyed people, but kept to himself until he and Sharon had a heart-to-heart conversation when she was in her twenties. That moment changed Mel and from that point on, he seemed to open up more in fact it was nearly impossible to keep him quiet from then on! There were a variety of activities that Mel enjoyed pursuing. He and Jackie loved to travel whether on long trips or short ones, they just loved to drive. Mel loved cars and was quite persnickety about them just as he was about nearly everything from his cars to his yard. He was an avid Detroit Tigers fan, and even took up small game hunting with his father-in-law Dan. After retirement from Brunswick, Mel and Jackie were able to travel even more than they had before, and they also wintered in Florida. He also worked at Sams Club as a greeter where he brightened the days of not only those coming in the store, but his co-workers as well. Although he enjoyed his interests, being with his family was always Mels favorite way to spend his time. When his daughter married and he later became a grandfather to Travis and Trisha, nothing could have made Mel happier. He loved being involved in the lives of his daughter and her family. Later in life, Mel struggled with a variety of health challenges that plagued him for the last few years of his life. He continued on with life, however, and was still giving bowling tips to his son-in-law a week before his death. Melvin Mosher was a private man who was determined in the endeavors he took on, and with vast amounts of patience, he loved sharing his wisdom with others. Mel was caring and helpful a real people person who touched the lives of so many within his reach. He could be hard-nosed and liked certain things just so, yet it was well known that his family was his greatest source of pride and joy. In so many ways, Mel Mosher will be so dearly missed yet he leaves behind precious memories that will be forever treasured by those he leaves behind. Melvin S. Mosher died Tuesday, September 29, 2009. Melvins family includes his daughter, Sharon (Paul) Witte; grandchildren, Travis and Trisha; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline; sisters, Dorothy, Evelyn & Connie. A memorial service will Saturday, October 10, 2009, 3:00 p.m. at Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Pastor David and Rev. Sally LaFrance officiating. Visit with Mels family and friends on Saturday, October 10, 2009, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to Hackley VNS Hospice or AgeWell Services.