Early on the morning of September 13th, 2022 with family by his side, Walter Mellin passed away at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, MT from complications of heart disease. Walter recently celebrated his 84th birthday.
Walter Urwin Mellin was born on August 30th, 1938 in Oakland California to Tony Mellin (a Portuguese immigrant) and Hazel Freshour Mellin. Walter was the fifth of the six children. Walter spent his entire childhood in Oakland. He loved playing baseball, attended Fremont High school where he graduated in 1956. Walter got his first job at a Texaco service station when he was 15. He had to round his age up to 16 to get the job. His lifelong love of new projects started there.
In 1958, Walter married his high school sweetheart, Florence Lewis Mellin. To this union two children were born, Walter E Mellin in 1962 and Christine Mellin Williams in 1964. After living together for a significant period of time through his childhood, their nephew, John Villagomez, joined the family in 1984.
Walter continued to work various jobs for numerous years until he owned and operated his own service station in 1963. In 1968, Walter gave up being a small business owner to bring home a regular paycheck and provide health insurance for his family and stepped out of his comfort zone and took a job as a ranger for East Bay Municipal Utility District. Here Walter took on numerous responsibilities including maintenance, fire control, and law enforcement. The family moved to Upper San Leandro Reservoir (“the Dam”) outside of Castro Valley California. At the dam, through many adventures and misadventures the family transitioned from urban living to an outdoor lifestyle. As his children grew, Walter took an active role in their lives and in the community. Walter coached youth basketball, volunteered as a 4-H leader, and served as a school board member at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School.
In 1986, Walter and Florence built their dream home in Volcano, CA in the Sierra Nevada Mountains where he and Florence continued to live and he worked for East Bay Utility District until his retirement in 2000. In 2013 Walter and Florence started a new adventure when they moved to Miles City Montana and purchased a home down the street from their daughter Christine and her family.
Walter will always be remembered for his crackling laugh, love of chocolate, and his ability to fix anything. He was our Superman.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents Tony Mellin and Hazel Freshour Mellin. His Siblings Francis (Max) Schuester, Andrew (Georgeanne) Mellin, Leonard (Dorothy) Mellin, and Florence (Harold) Southerland. As well as his brother in law Jerry Harvey.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Florence. His sister, Claudia Harvey. Close friends, Florence’s cousin Barry (Betty) Wrigglesworth. His children Walter E Mellin, Christine (Kent) Williams, and John Villagomez. His granddaughters Megan (Devin) Roberts, Ashley (Chris Parks) Mellin, Elizabeth (Robert) Russell, Amanda Williams, and Isabella Codute-Villagomez. And his great grandchildren Christopher and Cambrie Roberts, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private burial will take place in California at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
If friends desire, memorials can be made out in Walter’s name to Dollars for Scholars.
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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Mark and Lisa Helland says
The sudden passing of Walt has left us at a loss for words. We keep each of you, Florence, Chris and Kent, Elizabeth and Bobbi, and Amanda, in our thought during this time. We enjoyed the times with Walt. He always had a smile when we encountered him. Prayers for you all, the Mark Helland family
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Chris and family, so sorry for the loss of your dad, grandpa and dear hubby. Our hearts go out to all of you, love and prayers to you all!!
Pete Small says
Kathy and I were so saddened to get the call from Florence of Walt’s passing. Walt took me under his wing at EBMUD, and I tried as a ranger to follow in his footsteps. I won’t forget his easy going manner and positive outlook on life. He’s the only guy that I know who was bitten by a rattlesnake…on two different occasions…and he always laughed when he told the story! We hold Florence, Christine, Walt “Junior”, and John in our hearts during this tough time. R.I.P., old friend…
Tim and Robin Bell says
Walter you will be missed, we’ve enjoyed all your great stories and great laughs on our dinner nights, sipping on Sambuca. We always have you and Flo in our lives and our hearts.
Lucia Blake says
So very sorry to hear about Walter’s passing. Sending my thoughts and prayers to you Florence and to all your family. He was such a nice man! You both made such a sweet and loving couple.
Marcel Moranton says
Florence, so sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed working alongside Walt at EBMUD. Walt was a good and kind man. He always had a warm smile.
Kent Lambert says
Florence: Darcy and I were so sorry to hear of Walt’s passing. Walt was a great guy to work with and filling in behind him at EBMUD was indeed a challenge! He was a big man with a big personality. We will always be honored to call both of you friends of ours.