Melvin Cheek

Melvin Eugene Cheek, 62, died suddenly April 19, 2011, while at home enjoying a beautiful spring evening outside on the deck.

A private viewing will be held for the family. A celebration of life and casual potluck will be held at the Best Western Golden Lion on 36th Avenue and Seward Highway at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 30th.

Mel was born in California on March 11, 1949. His family moved to Oklahoma City, Okla., where he spent his youth, attended college and began his career. After graduating in 1973 from the University of Southwestern College in Oklahoma, Mel pursued a rewarding, successful career in accounting and finance. At the time of Mel's death he was the corporate controller for Chenega Corporation. Upon moving to Alaska, Mel worked for the Juneau Empire and the Tyonek Corp. before his employment with Chenega.

Mel lived a life full of interesting hobbies, well-defined talents and enjoyable activities. He had an intense appreciation for the woods and was an avid outdoorsman. Whether enjoying the peace and quiet of his cabin at Caswell Lakes, the flexibility of camping trips in the trailer or gathering friends and taking the quads out in the woods and on trails -- Mel was at home and happy in the woods. He looked forward to hunting season and was known to be as meticulous and strategic at hunting as he was at accounting.

Mel's other talents included photography, music, collecting and traveling. His early photography focused on capturing live rodeo on film; over time Mel added a host of professional quality landscape and outdoor Alaska shots to his portfolio. Those who were fortunate enough to spend time with Mel learned firsthand of his love for music and were privileged to hear him strum his guitar, play fiddle and break out the banjo.

In more quiet times, Mel would share his intrigue of the Civil War by showcasing his artifacts or by showing friends his valuable gun collection. Mel's intensity for life was witnessed in his extensive travels -- he was happiest viewing historic landmarks and places, visiting family and meeting new friends.

Mel is survived by his best friend, Greg Ingersoll. Surviving family includes his mother, Myrtle Cheek, sons Jeffrey and Michael; daughter-in-law Jamie; sister Paulette; granddaughters Morgan and Leslie; two nephews and Greg's two children. Mel will be missed by his immediate family and closest friends, his work family and extended family and friends in Anchorage, Juneau and Oklahoma. Mel was preceded in death by his father, Paul Cheek.