Michael Melville

Michael “Mike” William Melville, 68, lifetime resident of Idaho Falls, died unexpectedly on February 19, 2015. He was born on November 10, 1946, in Seattle, Washington, to William Paris Melville and Vivian Varney Melville. The family moved to Idaho Falls when Mike was 2 year old. He graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1965 and attended Idaho State University where he studied Computer Science. He was an avid inventor and created a portable ethanol still. Michael served our country from 1968 to 1969 in the 116th Combat Engineer Battalion of the Idaho National Guard, the largest single national guard unit to have seen duty during the Vietnam War. The majority of its personnel were from the Idaho Falls area and the surrounding farm country. Mike had a passion for animals and enjoyed the outdoors, but loved people the most. He had an easy smile, a quick wit, a great sense of humor, and was full of stories that would make anyone laugh. He knew many people and went out of his way to keep in touch. Mike showed kindness to many. He was known in town for helping veterans obtain their lawful benefits utilizing his varied and plentiful contacts. He combined his love for photography and the outdoors and operated Melville’s Outfitters and Guides providing fishing, photography trips, and charter boat rides on the Snake River. Mike earned the rank of Master Naturalist from the Idaho Fish and Game Department. He is survived by his sister, Kayla Melville and her spouse, Julie Buckley of Hull, Massachusetts and his beloved friend, Peggy Pike. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Vivian Melville, owners of Melville’s Studio and Camera Shop; and his younger brother, Monte Joe Melville. Military rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team and Idaho Honor Guard at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge). A gathering at the funeral home will follow until 6:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Snake River Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 51741, Idaho Falls, ID 83405. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.

A Gathering will be held on

4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. ,Saturday, February 28, 2015 Wood Funeral Home 273 North Ridge Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Notes: Military rites will be performed in the parking lot at 4:30 p.m. with a gathering to follow at the funeral home.