Mick made his last gather and God shipped him off to heaven on Friday, November 27th, 2020. He passed with the love of his life, Cheryl, by his side at the Holy Rosary Health Care Center in Miles City, MT. Michael “Mick” Melin was born in Livingston, Montana on July, 26, 1950 to George and Mae Melin. His father passed when he was six months old and he was later raised by his mother and stepfather, Parks Moore. He has one older brother, Tom Melin, a younger brother, Pat Moore and a younger sister, Jude Moore Bown. He was raised in Emmigrant and Clyde Park throughout his childhood. He graduated from Clyde Park High school in 1968. Mick was a phenomenal athlete; excelling in basketball, football, and track. He even held the state record in shot put for a while.
After high school Mick attended MSU Bozeman where he received a degree in elementary and secondary education in 1972. That same year he married his high school sweetheart Cheryl Mitchell. Together they moved to White Sulphur Springs where Mick began his teaching career and Cheryl did her student teaching. They then moved to Gardiner, Montana to continue their teaching careers together. They remained in Gardiner for two years before moving to Eastern Montana in 1975 to work the family ranch and continue their careers in education. Mick spent 41 years of his life teaching at St. Labre Indian School. This was his passion, he taught everything from grade school, to P.E., to woodshop, to athletic director, to referee, to coach, and finally settling in as a middle school math teacher. During this time Mick impacted the lives of hundreds of students. He knew how to make a personal connection with each and every one of his students. He had a one-of-a-kind personality and always added his humor into his lessons. Every student he had learned at least one North Dakota joke.
Mick worked for his in-law’s ranch until later purchasing his own place in 1992 on Moon Creek. Mick and Cheryl raised two boys on the banks of the Tongue River. Nolan was born in May of 1980 and Ryan was born in December of 1982. These boys were the joy of his life. He enjoyed teaching them everything he knew about being a good rancher. They spent countlesshours together working the land and the cattle on the place he called home. He was proud of his boys and the ranch he] built from the ground up.
In 1994 Mick took a flu shot that would forever change his life. He spent three months in the hospital and two years rebuilding his health and strength before being strong enough toreturn to work. For many this debilitating shot would have ruined their lives but not for Mick. Mick found strength and humor in his struggles. He had to learn to do things with pliers as he didn’t have the use of his fingers anymore. Mick went from a large muscular man to a small framed person but he did not let this slow him down. He overcame adversity after adversity all while maintaining his comical and endearing personality. Mick had a laugh that came from the tips of his toes and a smile that twinkled in his eyes.
In his more recent years Mick’s life revolved around his four grandchildren. He was their biggest fan. He attended every event of theirs that he possibly could, and he never passed upa moment when he could brag about them.
Mick is survived by his wife of 48 years of marriage Cheryl Melin, his two sons: Nolan (Amanda) Melin of Miles City, and Ryan (Nikki) Melin of Ashland; grandchildren Sawyer and Danika of Miles City and Brand and Chasyn of Ashland; brother Pat Moore (the late Rosie) of Delco, Idaho and sister Jude Bown (Brent) of Salt Lake City, Utah and sister in-law Rosalie Melin of Livingston, Montana; two sister in-laws, Charlotte Miller (the late Myron) of Miles City and Judy and Mark Bloxham of Miles City; his two special nephews Jordan (Logan) Bloxham and Mitch (Melissa) Bloxham. Mick is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Mick is also survived by his closest friend Dick Brewer. Mick and Dick spent countless hours tinkering on tractors and discussing future plans for their ranches. They were peas in a pod and Mick always felt blessed that God gave him such a good friend.
Mick is preceded in death by his grandparents, Carl and Blanche Kinkie; his parents, Mae and George Melin; stepfather, Parks Moore; brother, Tom Melin; sister in-law Rosie Moore; brother in-law, Myron Allerdings; mother and father in-law, Jim and Dorothea Mitchell.
Mick was a rancher, and every rancher knows how to pray; you pray for rain, you pray for sun, you pray for your crops, you pray for your calves, you pray for the family God blessed you with but as a true rancher you also pray God’s Will Be Done. God’s will is done and we thank him for all the times that he gave Mick back to us to spend just a little more time. We mourn for ourselves but will carry on his ranching traditions and continue to pray as true ranchers do.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you consider donating toward the Mick Melin Memorial 4H scholarship. The family plans to have a private memorial service for Mick during their branding this spring. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Roger Sprague says
My thoughts and prayer for Mick’s wife and Son’s. He will be missed in the community.
Lyle Dorn and Marilyn Watson-Dorn says
Lifting the entire Melin family up in prayers. May you find comfort in your memories of this wonderful man.
Duane and Sue Allred says
Cheryl, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family. We will always cherish our memories of Mick and our visits with you all.
Diana Elwood says
Chris and I are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with all your family. May God give you peace at this hard time.
Kim Thompson (Van Pelt) says
When I look back at my time at St. Labre (98-06), I remember sharing a classroom with Mick Melin. I can picture you holding the dry erase marker while cupping your hand around your ear waiting for a shy kid to answer your question or sitting in your chair with your feet propped up. We didn’t have a whole lot in common, but I considered you my friend and it meant the world to me that you and Cheryl attended my wedding. I still teach math and, Mick, I still use Whooshotos. My prayers to Cheryl and the family.
Jeff and Linda Hamilton says
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and friend. Prayers of comfort for you all.. He will live on through all of your cherished memories.
Patricia Houseman says
My prayers to Cheryl and family for the loss of Mick. Patsy Brey
Deb McClaren says
Cheryl I’m so sorry to hear about MIck. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Larry Brence says
Some of my fondest memories of being the Extension Agent in Forsyth involve Mick. I remember Mick as always being kind and relentlessly upbeat. Even through the physical struggles he was facing at the time, he was always in the middle of things helping out where he could. After I left Forsyth, I still ran into Mick from time to time and always so enjoyed those visits. Please know that the Melin family will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days to come.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Condolences to Mick’s family, many memories of playing independent basketball against him, always enjoyed visiting with him.
Billie Pemble says
Pemble Family expresses deepest sympathy to Mick wife and sons and their families.
Shawn B says
My prayers and condolences to Mick’s family.
He always shared good words with me when I went to school at labre lndian school and worked there to.
Journey well my friend.
Jaylene Allison says
Our condolences to the entire Melin family. Mick will be greatly missed!
Mona johnson says
Sorry for your loss.
Patrick Maloney says
My condolences Cheryl. Fond memories of meetings with Mick and of prairie dog shooting at the north ranch. School has not been the same without both of you there.
Curtis G. Terrett says
Sorry for your loss
Mary Jane Robinson says
Mick taught our kids in middle school. Upon telling them of his passing we have been regaled with remakes of Mick Melin stories and North Dakotan jokes. Mick was a good teacher, a fine man and a wonderful role model. Our condolences to Cheryl, the boys, the grands and all who loved him.
Tire-Rama Crew says
Our deepest sympathies to all of the Melin family. Mick was a joy to wait on and will be truly missed!
Aaron Griffin says
…..a true Montana educator, rancher, and all around good guy was lost! Hang in there Ma Melin and family! Wendell, Rosemary, Aaron, and Amy Griffin
R.M. Xomoo'o says
Condolences to the family. My first year at St. Labre, Mr. Melin was my 6th grade teacher. He was an awesome teacher and had a lot of respect from the students in his class. He often would share funny stories with us, including life lessons. Mrs. Watt use to come in from time to time. They were really great together. I learned how to play chess from him. He played the students who would finish the classroom assignments early. At times he would play basketball with us, and still utilized the skyhook,
Stephanie & Roy Fisher says
Sending our condolences. Very grateful that my son was also one of his students.
Carey Ziler says
Cheryl and family my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I will never forget Mack’s humor and sparkling smile.
Ada Graham says
Cheryl and family – my deepest condolences. Mick was such a blessing to work with when I started in the middle school. Always positive and caring.
Barrett family says
Melin family,
Mick was a great guy, and we always enjoyed visiting with him. The boys always liked to see grandpa Mick, especially at his Brandings. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
glenn tallwhiteman says
Cheryl, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Melin (as you know) was my home room teacher in the 8th grade, and coached our junior high f.b., b.b., and track teams to an undefeated (except for 1 b.b. game) year!!! Memories for a lifetime:) Hopefully that will put a smile on your face, it sure does for me. He was a great teacher, and I have the utmost respect for him.
Dan Burke says
Cheryl and family,
My condolences. Mick was a fine man. I enjoyed hearing many of his stories over the years in the library at St. Labre.
Tim Green says
Sincere condolences to Cheryl, Nolan, Ryan and the Melin families. Helping wrestle calves at the Melin/Mitchell/Bloxham branding was a highlight of my youth. My fondest memory was Mick breaking off from the roundup to pursue a runaway calf. He returned to the branding corral a half hour later with the calf leg-tied and held across the pommel of his saddle. And then with a fluid movement from a single arm, raised the calf from his saddle, swung it outward and handed it to us waiting wrestlers (who nearly fell to the ground with the calfs weight.) He was sn incredibly strong, yet kind and gentle man.
Tim Green says
Sincere condolences to Cheryl, Nolan, Ryan and the Melin families. Helping wrestle calves at the Melin/Mitchell/Bloxham branding was a highlight of my youth. My fondest memory was Mick breaking off from the roundup to pursue a runaway calf. He returned to the branding corral a half hour later with the calf leg-tied and held across the pommel of his saddle. And then with a fluid movement from a single arm, raised the calf from his saddle, swung it outward and handed it to us waiting wrestlers (who nearly fell to the ground with the calfs weight.) He was an incredibly strong, yet kind and gentle man.
Russ Alexander says
Cheryl, I am so sorry for your loss.
Mick and Cheryl were the rocks of stability at St. Labre Middle School for many years. People came and went but we could always count on Mick and Cheryl. To say that Mick had a unique teaching style would be an understatement. But he had a way of reaching every student, especially that shy one or the struggler. I never heard Mick complain about a student. I didn’t always agree with Mick, but I always knew what he was thinking. I appreciated that very much.
Kimber Emmons says
Cheryl and family –
I have often spoken of Mick and how her took me into his classroom to ‘learn the ropes’ my first year teaching at St Labre….it was GREAT! He is remembered with love and some sass here! My prayers to you all as you heal from this great loss.
~Kimber Emmons and family
Jill L Myers says
Mick sounds like a wonderfull man who touched many lives in a positive way! So very sorry for your family’s loss.
Jill L Myers says
Mick sounds like a wonderful man who touched many lives in a positive way! So very sorry for your family’s loss.
Nellie Speelman says
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
Wade and TJ Olson says
Our thoughts and prayers to the family in this time of mourning… many good memories of Mick, he will be missed
Bruce and Theresa Dudek Family says
Cheryl and Family,
I have always appreciated my interactions with Mick over the years. He is a good man. I remember him telling me once that when he couldn’t sleep he would “talk to the shepherd” (perhaps hard words for a cattle man) But I trust he is now looking down on us in the company of the shepherd. God Bless, and perhaps this is the lesson again for all of us that instead of driving by, we need to stop in and say hello to people more often. Prayers for you all.
Dick Fletcher says
An exceptional man who put others needs before his own. Working with both Mick and Cheryl over 20+ years was a pleasure not all people were so fortunate to experience as I. Always looked forward to our opening prayer given by by Mick at our staff meetings, his positive attitude and happy greeting of each day at work. Blessings to all the Melin Family as you truly were to have such a person within your life.
George Scalpcane says
My condolences to Mick’s family. While driving school bus at St.Labre we always found time to visit from time to time till he retired. The last time we visited we reminisced about the time we played independent basketball together-many fond memories about my good friend. To Mick: till we meet again, may you rest in peace.
Faith Tallwhiteman says
So sorry to hear. He was a very good teacher, my husband Tom Tallwhiteman’s favorite and then our son Thomas Jr. Prayers to Cheryl and family along with deepest condolences.
Connie MedicineBull says
He enjoyed the visits and storys with Arnold during his stay I the Hospital. He stayed positive and always spoke of those visits even years after he was teaching once again. Cherry and Mec I enjoyed the years of retirement they shared together. God Bless his family.
They are great people.
Everall Fox says
Cheryl and family, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Mick. I worked with him for several years in the middle school at St. Labre. He was a so good with kids and his sense of humor was what I miss the most. Prayers to all of his family and the students he taught through the years.
Bill. &. Jan. Champion says
It’s been a long time ;;;;
We always in joy seeing Mick when we were on the Tongue River Range , our condolences to Cheryl and the boys. Great guy
champion@midrivers.com
Patsy & Mike Davis says
Cheryl, Ryan, Nolan and families,
Sending our condolences at this sad time, and we always enjoyed our visits with Mick.
His legacy lives on, and he will be fondly remembered by so many!
Eric and Bobbie Myers says
We are very sad to hear of MIck’s passing. He was a great man and a great colleague. Our prayers go out to Cheryl and the family. He will be missed.
Clenora Quinlan says
Condolences to Mick’s family, I met him after the Flu shot, amazing man, amazing friend always enjoyed our visits with that wide smile. I was always a pleasure.
Rod Churchwell says
Wish I had spent more time with Mick when he was in Gardiner. He was great to be with and will always be remembered for his enthusiasm in the classroom and appreciation of the outdoors.
Doug Logan says
Many years have passed since I last saw Mick and I have often returned to the great memories I have of him. I tried to connect with him 10-15 yrs back, just couldn’t get it done. So sorry. He was my friend and mentor in High School and I will never forget how hard he worked, especially as a great athlete. Nobody did it better, he was a very good man. My condolences go out to Cheryl, family and close friends. RIP.
Merle bighead says
Condolences to the family..thank you mick for the words of wisdom back in the day..RIP…
Eli Robinson says
Mr. Melin (Mick) was a gifted teacher. I learned from his math lessons, but most importantly I learned to have more accountability (homework was and continued to be a challenge for me). Mr. Melin pushed me to catch up on my homework assignments so I could learn the math skills necessary for future math classes.
Along the way I picked up a lot of jokes (at least one per class) and stories. One of my personal favorites was how he lost his finger. The story goes that there was a leak in Tongue River Dam that threatened everybody downstream which he valiantly plugged with his finger, and since he couldn’t just stand there forever he had to leave the finger behind.
I’ve inspired awe and laughter telling my own kids some of Mr. Melin’s stories, and will continue to do so in the years to come.