In Memory

Butch Meland VIEW PROFILE

Butch Meland

Melvin (Butch) A. Meland Jr. passed away peacefully on August 10th at the age of 76 after a long illness. Mel was born in Landshut, Germany, to Mel Sr. and Thea (Huber) Meland on March 25, 1946.

He went by the nickname "Butch" all of his life and that's how most people will remember him. He traveled from Germany to Spokane Valley at a very young age and graduated from West Valley High School in 1964.

After high school, Mel enlisted in the Army National Guard and served 6 years. He married Linda Lindskog in 1969 and from that union came two daughters, Shelly and Erin. Mel went to work for American Sign and Indicator Corp. After several years, Mel and Linda divorced. He changed jobs to the Inland Empire Paper Mill in Millwood and retired as a Stationary Engineer (Boiler Operator).

Over the years, Mel enjoyed playing sports, most notably baseball, basketball and golf. He traveled to many golf courses along the west coast and Pebble Beach was one of his favorites. Mel eventually remarried in 1998 to Diane Crowe. He was known for his love of fast cars, and hilarious quick wit.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Diane. He is survived by his two children, Shelly Gillis (Paul Acosta) of Coeur d'Alene ID, Erin Lillevold (Tommy Rodgers) of Longview WA, two sisters Dolores (Dan) Reaves of Leawood KS, and Judi (Duane) Giese, and a brother Frank (Kellie) Meland, from Spokane WA. He also leaves behind his aunt Julia Barner from Kentfield CA, two grandchildren Cyann and Sage Lillevold, two cousins and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the Pines Mausoleum 12116 E. 16th Ave. in Spokane Valley on August 29th at 11:00 AM with a gathering afterwards at Bolo's Bar & Grill. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mel's name to benefit local children with hearing loss may be sent to SpokaneHOPE.org

Published by Spokesman-Review on Aug. 21, 2022.





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