John David Melcher died peacefully at home April 12, 2018, sitting in his favorite chair with a view of Rattlesnake Creek. He was 93 years old.
John was born September 6, 1924, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Anthony and Nell Melcher, the second of three boys. His parents divorced when he was young, after the death of his younger brother, Patrick. His father was on the road as a salesman of farm pumps during the Great Depression and he and his older brother Robert lived with two aunts and his grandmother. When he was sixteen, John went to live with his mother, who had married a rancher in South Dakota.
There he met Ruth Klein, whose parents owned a boarding house where he stayed when weather prevented either a horseback ride or drive of an old jalopy to town. They soon fell in love but were separated after graduating high school in 1942. John attended the University of Minnesota for one year before being called to serve in George Patton’s Third Army. He was an infantryman, fighting in France and then Germany in the Battle of the Bulge. Wounded in the knee near Trier, Germany, he returned stateside in early 1945. For his service, he received the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and later the Bronze Star.
He and Ruth married a few months after his return and they drove to Iowa, where he enrolled as a veterinary student at Iowa State University. After graduating in 1950, they moved to Montana, which he had come to love during summer sales trips with his father. With them were their first two children, David Joseph and Teresa Ann. Joan Carol was born soon thereafter. They established a veterinary practice in Forsyth where none had been and John served a radius of 80 miles each direction in a small and large animal practice.
In 1954 they lost David to what they later determined was Reyes Syndrome. A year later, the birth of Mary Susan brought sunshine back into their lives and soon two more children, Robert Conrad and John Christopher, joined the family. Ruth was his North Star, usually a strong advocate, but never shy in stating her views if different from his. Together they knew great joy and great sorrow in a marriage lasting 69 years.
John became interested in politics early in his life, serving first as alderman in Forsyth and then mayor. He was elected to the state legislature, serving in both houses. In 1966 he ran for U.S. Congress against James Battin and lost. When a special election was called in 1969, he was the Democrat’s choice and won. He won three more full terms in Congress before running for the Senate in 1976, keeping retiring U.S. Senator Mike Mansfield’s seat in the Democratic column.
He won a second term in 1982 but was defeated by Conrad Burns in 1988. John and other members of the Montana delegation crafted a wilderness bill that John helped shepherd through the Senate; it passed both houses. President Ronald Reagan vetoed the bill less than two weeks before the election and that hurt John’s chances, although he always admitted he had run a poor campaign. He threw his hat in the ring once again six years later but was defeated in the primary by John Mudd.
John was a passionate advocate for agriculture, organized labor, programs that gave the poor and disadvantaged a step up, Native Americans, soil conservation, public lands, seniors, and protection of primates used in laboratory research. He was a key leader in the program to provide excess cheese to food banks and worked in a variety of capacities to assure food security at home and abroad.
He was an adept legislator and became known for his ability to craft and pass legislation. During the 1988 campaign Senator Howard Metzenbaum of Ohio called to tell him that only two other Senators had more legislation passed in 1987 than he did. One legacy was his work on amendments to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act, which assured environmental protection in coal mining and funds for reclamation of the land. He believed in economic development as long as strong protections for labor and the environment were written into law.
An animal lover to the end, he kept two cats, Abigail and Emily, in his Senate office; he had several well-loved dogs—before and after leaving public office.
John was clearly not ready to retire in 1988 so he set up shop as a consultant/lobbyist in Washington, D.C. One of his clients was Jane Goodall. Together they lobbied for protections for the psychological well being of primates used in laboratory research. Goodall noted another achievement, a 1984 amendment to the Animal Welfare Act of 1966, in an inscription of her book “The Champanzees of Gombe” (1986): “When this bill is well and truly implemented, the difference in the lives of hundreds of animals will truly be great.”
Soon he became of valued member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), coaching veterinarians in the legislative process and helping them contribute to passage of bills in their interests. He also worked to see more veterinary colleges established. In 2008, the AVMA established the John Melcher Leadership Award, which provides grants to faculty and staff of members of the Association of American Colleges of Veterinary Medicine.
Mike Chaddick, then director of the AVMA governmental relations division and now an associate dean at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University, remembers: “In the years that I worked at AVMA, all I learned came from Senator Melcher. He was our mentor and father figure.”
John was an early supporter of Barack Obama and in 2008, as a super delegate, led the senior caucus at the Democratic nominating convention.
He retired at the age of 86. At this time he began telling stories, which often centered on his childhood and time as a veterinarian in Forsyth. Most hailed interesting animals or showed his fascination with every day people. He lost Ruth in 2015. In his last years he suffered from vascular dementia but was able to contribute to the conversation, if only through off-the-cuff humor. John was a humble man, although known also to be tough, practical and, at times, ornery. One of his daughters spent an afternoon hanging most of the plaques and various honors he received over the years. A few months later, John asked that they be removed and an American flag put in their place.
He was able to stay in his home to the end, thanks to his own stubbornness and help from his children and many caregivers, notably Carolyn Walker, Ivalyne Judge and Loren Osler, who was his companion for the last two years of his life. He is survived by his children, Teresa Thompson (Gene), Joan Melcher (Kelly Spears), Mary Melcher (Tom Post), Robert Melcher, and John Melcher (Sallie); 10 grandchildren; five great grandchildren, brother Robert Melcher (Lorraine), brother Thomas (Diane), and sister Virginia (Greg) DiNovis.
He lives on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren and the Montanans he loved.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 24, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Forsyth and are open to the public. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com. For those who would like to donate in John’s name, his favorite charities were the Missoula Food Bank, CARE, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the ASPCA.
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Service Schedule
Rosary Service
7:00 p.m.
Monday April 23, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 24, 2018
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
509 12th Ave. N.
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Rite of Committal
Tuesday April 24, 2018
Forsyth Cemetery
2470 Front Street
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Rosary Service
7:00 p.m.
Monday April 23, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday April 24, 2018
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
509 12th Ave. N.
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Rite of Committal
Tuesday April 24, 2018
Forsyth Cemetery
2470 Front Street
Forsyth, MT 59327
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dick tallent says
so many great memories of Sen Melcher. I was having lunch at emc in the 70s. he was speaking to a dozen professors who all wanted his attention. He saw me and came across the dining room to hug me and talk. I will never forget the looks on the professors faces. He had a life well lived.
Julie (LaBree) Stephens says
Bob, John, Mary and all-thinking of you! I have admired him since I was in about 4th grade-he and Dad always had fun and interesting conversations. What a legend and what huge footsteps to follow. Yes – a life well lived.
Lloyd & Colette (Pedder) Butcher says
He was our family vet and became my Senator when I was old enough to vote. He was a very honorable man respected by many. I had a history teacher in high school who was apparently a Republican as every day it seemed like he had something to say against Senator Melcher. One day I had had it so I told my teacher when he started talking against Senator Melcher that I would appreciate it if he would quit talking about my relative like that every day. We never heard a word about Senator Melcher again. No I am not related but I shut that teacher up. I thought the family might get a chuckle out of my story. May he rest in peace. My sympathy to the family.
Colette Pedder Butcher
Kay Crosby Dooley says
Terry, Joan, Mary, Bob and John – you are each on my mind as you grieve for your Father. I loved your parents and have many wonderful memories of the Melchers. Particularly after JD went to DC and when he came back to Forsyth he and Jim would show up at our house between 4:30 and 5 and visit with my Dad. I am sure many of your Forsyth friends feel as prividulged as I to personally know the man they were voting for. I learned to trust my elected officials and respect them because of your Dad. But each of you and your Mother were his greatest treasures. Fill your hearts with happy memories. And to JD GODSPEED
Sherry Donovan Hickey says
I send my heartfelt condolences to Senator Melcher’s family. I was proud to serve on his Congressional staff in Washington, DC for almost 16 years. John was a hard-working advocate for his State. I was born and raised in DC; over all those years I learned so much about his beautiful Montana!
Clara Cichosz says
I am so sorry to hear of Senater John Melcher’s passing. He was classy and humble, something that is missing in our senate today. May he rest in peace.
Rick Ryan says
A life well-lived and many memories are being shared, I’m sure. I never knew this man, but was grateful for his service and voted for him. His poor campaign against Mr. Burns was not energetic and had lasting unfortunate consequences that were perhaps inevitable anyway. Enjoy the stories and celebrate his memory.
Patricia Hubbard says
I wish to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Senator John D. Melcher. May you find comfort in your loving memories of John and in God’s promise to see our loved ones again through the resurrection. (Acts 24:15) What joy it will be to welcome back John to a beautiful, peaceful earth (Psalms 37:10,11,29) where all pain, sickness and death will be no more! (Rev 21:4) Hold on to all your happy memories of John and let these, along with all the promises of a God, who cannot lie, bring you comfort and peace! My deepest sympathy!
Robin Robbins Byford says
I was very sorry to hear of Senator Melcher’s passing. He and my dad, Hershel Robbins, we’re friends and served together in the Montana State Legislature. The used to drive home together on weekends to their respective towns, Roundup and Forsyth, sometimes on very perilous roads! As a young person I worked on several of Senator Melcher’s campaigns to Congress. We would deliver literature door-to door and some days when it was cold or rainy we would ask our dad, “do we have to do this”? His answer was simple- “ yes, it’s important. We need a good man in Washington and John is a good man.” Enough said.
Mary Ann Bailey Lammers says
My family’s relationship with Dr./Senator Melcher goes way back to his early days in Forsyth. Doc Melcher mentored my brother, Dr. Jim Bailey, as he launched his life-long career as a veterinarian. Dr. Jim has been gone for over two years now, but upon reading of Dr. Melcher’s passing, I wanted to pick up the phone and talk to him about his friend and mentor, Dr. Melcher. I remember my mother, Mary, and I stopping to visit Ruth and the kids (they probably don’t remember) occasionally when we went to town (Forsyth) from Rosebud Creek.
However, my most memorable experience as an adult was when my husband, Duane, and I were stationed at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, for his OCS training in the US Army. I worked as a Kelly Girl (Temp. Agency) in the DC area and had a two-week assignment with a patent lawyer (Boston, Irish, usually not sober) in Crystal City, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. Duane was living on Post, and I was living with another Army wife from Texas in Alexandria.
I called Dr. Melcher’s office one day to tell him we were in the area. He came on the phone and wanted to take me to lunch and offered to come to Crystal City rather than having this Montana gal trying to find her way around DC. So, I was delighted and had to ask this crazy boss if I could have some extra time for lunch that day so that I could meet my Montana Senator for lunch. He said, “Who in the heck are you anyway that your Senator wants to take you to lunch? I have lived here for years, and I have never been invited to lunch by a Senator!” Who was I–just a small-town girl living in the big city and needing something or someone from Montana to quell the homesickness. Dr. Melcher came to my rescue, and I was forever grateful. He also helped Duane and I get passes to Capitol venues during our time there.
Although we have not kept in touch with the family since, and my immediate Montana family is gone now, I send my prayers and gratitude for the part your father played in our lives. He had a good one; one you can be proud of. Best wishes.
Mary Ann Bailey and Duane Lammers
Gail Shaffner Kuntz says
My condolances to the family. I remember the connection our fathers had – both veterinarians in rural Montana. Senator Melcher would call Dad (Dr. Don Shaffner) for his input on bills, especially the Wilderness Bill. In cleaning out files I’ve come across letters between the two of them. Cherish the memories of a life well lived.
Lance Ivanish says
My condolences to the John Melcher family. You probably don’t know me, but you may know my father, Lou Ivanish. He was chairman of the Phillips County Democratic Central Committee. He knew John and was a big supporter of John’s campaign.
Wes Falk says
I and my wife had the opportunity and good luck to visit with Senator Melcher a few times. He and his family were very generous and he, a humble man, put forth an excellent and fun visit. Over the years I have often thought of the opportunity to have those visits and only wish they had been longer.
Heidi, Debby, Wendy & Mark Beals says
My family asked me to include them in extending our sincere sympathy at this time. We know you will be sharing wonderful memories and also know that he is finally with Ruth again.
What an amazing summer for me when I worked for your Father in DC before starting college at UM. The exhilarating pace and excitement of being in the presence of Congressmen & Senators while policies were being created was very powerful. To see the results of his hard work first hand, was even more impressive. Having grown up in Colstrip with the “spoil banks” as part of our landscape, it was wonderful to see the transformation after he helped pass the Reclamation Act for coal mining.
I learned how important the people of Montana were to John. He was always so pleased to greet anyone from Montana who stopped by his office when he wasn’t in the House Chamber. He read Montana papers daily to stay current & then wrote encouragement or congratulations to many. His heart was always in Montana!
Victoriano B. Leviste says
My condolences to Sen. John Melcher’s family.
It was such an honor to work with Sen
John Melcher in the early 1980s. Not many Americans realize the huge
economic impact Sen. Melcher made not only for Montana
but for the world as well. Sen. Melcher enacted
legislation that made it possible for poor countries to
avail of US surplus agricultural commodities, His
legislation helped millions of people around the world avert
hunger and malnutrition while helping the US dispose of
surplus agricultural commodities that were rotting in US
warehouses and costing US taxpayers millions in storage
fees. Sen. Melcher’ legacy on food aid will be
remembered forever by millions globally. He is a great
man.
Mark Lutschaunig says
I had the privilege of knowing Senator Melcher while he was working for the AVMA Government Relations Division. I thoroughly enjoyed our work together, and appreciated him taking a very green government relations professional under his wings. He was wonderful and respectful to everyone he met–and he know everyone in the Capitol. I remember one day when we were together at the Capitol and he stopped one of the Capitol Police officers to ask about his daughter (he know everyone’s name!)–his daughter was interested in veterinary school. I wish we could have more Senators/Representatives like him.
Jackie Dassinger says
The Melchers will always have a special place in my heart and I have such fond memories — evening visits and cocktails with Ruth — enjoying seeing the crystal vases she gave me for my birthday — planning and organizing fun-raising dinners for John — even special memories of their dog. Sundance (my official morning greeter). In appreciation for all the good things John did for Montana and with sincere condolances to all the Melchers, Your forever friend, Jackie Dassinger
Jackie Dassinger says
To all the Melchers: My favorite memory of the Melchers is having been invited to Chico for their 50th wedding anniversary. We felt that it was an honor and we enjoyed that celebration very much. Thanks all of you… Jackie
John W Clark says
Many great memories of the Melcher family.
Roxann Smith says
Condolences to the family of Senator Melcher. Our little town of Brockton is grateful for his assistance in getting funding to build our school in the late 1970s. He was truly a great and honorable man and was also very helpful to our tribe in their requests to the government.
karen and daniel ryan says
The Melchers are an amazing family, each with their own great skills and abilities. The video brought me to tears. You are ALL such a perfect blend of your folks. Your Mom was a fox! Your Dad always on the side of good and in a place to make some good happen!! Montana will always be proud of him! As an orphan, who lost her parents at advanced age, but still an orphan, I send all you beautiful Melcher kids love and hugs. Good parents, good memories, soldier on! They would have wanted that.