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Stephan Melarvie Obituary

Stephan "Steve" James Melarvie, 56, passed peacefully at his home in Palmer, AK on December 5, 2013 after a heroic battle with cancer.

Celebration of Life will be held at the Captain Cook Hotel (Quarter Deck - Tower) in Anchorage, Alaska on January 4th, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. All family and friends are invited to bring their dancin' slippers and their best dress to help us celebrate a man who loved life.

Steve, a lifelong Alaskan, was born on November 7, 1957 to Kerwin "Curly" and Jane Melarvie in Kodiak, AK. He was the 3rd of 4 children. In 1969 the Melarvie family moved to Anchorage, AK where Steve attended Inlet View Elementary, Central Junior High, and West Anchorage High School.

In 1986, he married Valerie French with whom he shared 3 children and 27 wonderful years.

Steve was a member of Carpenters Local 1281 in the 1980's. He then worked as a Mechanic and Service Manager at Alaska Sales & Service in the early 1990's. Steve was a Master Vehicle Technician and pioneered the use of latex gloves for mechanics in Anchorage. His most memorable place of employment was Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Field Maintenance light duty shop. He was employed there for the past 17 years.

Steve had many talents and there wasn't a thing he couldn't fix. He had many interests and hobbies. He loved racing with Stan Barney at Alaska Raceway Park. He loved camping in his motorhome with his family and friends, and having cocktails around the campfire. He had a passion for dancing, singing, and laughter.

Stephan was preceded in death by his father Kerwin "Curly" Melarvie, and his mother Jane Melarvie.

He is survived by his wife Valerie; and their children Stephanie and husband Kurt Hala, Vanessa Melarvie, and son Matthew Melarvie; daughters Nichole Rehm and Alicia Bowles. He is survived by his siblings: Kathleen Filori, Linda Thomas, Sandra and her husband, Marc Methonen. Stephan also leaves behind his grandchildren: Eli Hala, Charlie Bowles, and a granddaughter, Elena Hala due in March of 2014.

Arrangements cared for by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Dec. 15 to Dec. 16, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephan Melarvie

Not sure what to say?





Kathy LoweFortain

January 12, 2014

Val my heart goes out to you and your family Steve made us all laugh he was such a great man he will truly be missed Blessings to All

January 12, 2014

Val
My heart goes out to all of you ,Steve was an amazing man the nicest guy and the funniest ,so hard to believe Blessings to All
Kathy Lowe Fortain

Anna Upicksoun

January 1, 2014

Rest in peace, Stephen.

December 20, 2013

Steve you touched so many people's lives and I always Cherish my years at the State with you in the light duty bay. You will be sorely missed. Pat Dillard

Linda Melarvie Thomas

December 19, 2013

Also in the family accepting condolences are daughters Nichole Rehm, and Alicia Bowles.
Nephews Travis Thomas, Chase Howard, Niece Rory Jane Howard, as well as niece Falon Methonen.
Thank you to Everyone Remembering Steve, smile now, that's all he'd want you to do. He'd smile right back at you and still is. Love Linda

Linda Melarvie Thomas

December 19, 2013

Hey Steve. I know you're up there keeping a watchful eye on all of us. I miss you more than words can say. Your laughter, the way you could light up a room just be entering. Your ability to fix anything, build anything, for any one who needed help. Your funny faces,
And unending wit. I was blessed to have you as my brother and your wonderful family Valerie, Stephanie, Vanessa, Matt, Kurt and little Ely and Elena as my relatives, left as your proud legacy. You were a proud man, wonderful Husband, Father, Brother.
For you my dearest Brother, the tears shall always fall, the smiles will always smile, the laughs will still come, but nothing, nothing, will ever be the same.

Ken Caldwell

December 17, 2013

I liked playing foosball both with and against him. He was a great player and if he lost he would by the winner a beer.
He would always keep me laughing with his never ending antics and jokes.

Bob Cannon

December 16, 2013

Had many years of your friendship.will always cherish our great conversations.

December 16, 2013

THE BROKEN CHAIN- -We little knew that morning, that God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Val, Stephanie, Vanessa and Matt,our love and prayers are with you,
Grandpa and Grandma French

Mark Davidson

December 16, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to family.
Steve was always a great guy. Have good memories of him.

Barbara Huff

December 16, 2013

Stephanie, Valerie & Family
While I never met your dad, or husband, everything I have heard about him has been wonderful. While he was only on this earth for a short time, it was time spent well with his family. My prayers and best wishes to all of you. Barbara

December 15, 2013

God needed to take his angel home. RIP Steve. We'll all be together again on the other side. Thanks for the songs and laughter.

Sandra Methonen

December 15, 2013

A bright light went out with your passing... I know you will guide us from the greater beyond... I will miss your humor and laughter, your energy and your love for life... There was never a dull moment when you in the room... I love you... Your youngest Sister ~ Sandra Ann

Jim Laflamme

December 15, 2013

Very sad news indeed of my co-worker and friend. My heartfelt condolences to you Val and the family. I will always remember your kindness to me in my time of need.

Rene Tims

December 15, 2013

Steve was as much apart of our family as we a are. He was like a brother to my husband, a confidant, best friend, and someone he could always count on. He was a second father or uncle to my kids and to me, he was Mr. reliable. Our lives will forever have a hole without his presence! We all loved him dearly and will always be there for Val and the kids if ever they need us!

Kimberly Johnson

December 15, 2013

Such a beautiful life. We will miss you uncle.

Debbie Groeneveld (formerly Chapman/Cloutier)

December 15, 2013

It's been years since I last saw Steve. He was a funny guy with a great sense of humor. He knew how to make you laugh just when you needed one. You'll be missed, old friend. My heart goes out to his family.

Wendy and Fred Fick

December 15, 2013

Sending you love and payers.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Valley Funeral Home – Palmer Chapel & Cremation Service

2020 N. Hemmer Road, Palmer, AK 99645

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