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BORN
1941
DIED
2016
Melvin Beckwith Obituary
September 26, 1941 - March 3, 2016
Melvin Max Beckwith, Sr., 74, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2016 at his home in Merced, surrounded by family, after a short, second fight with cancer.
Mel is survived by seven of his children: Lance Beckwith (and Terri), Ken Havens (and Megen), Tony Decko, Michael Beckwith (and Rachel), Matthew Beckwith (and Dawn), JR Beckwith (and Megan), Melissa Beckwith (and Robert), 22 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren as well as his brothers, Larry, Robert, Michael, Patrick and Brent. Mel also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends. Mel is preceded in death by his daughter Angela, his parents, Leonard James Beckwith and Ruth Margaret Beckwith and brother Leonard James Beckwith, Jr.
Mel was born in Sacramento and spent many years of his youth in Utah, Nebraska, and Idaho before moving to Fresno and making a permanent home in Merced in 1982.
In his very early years, Mel picked potatoes and performed other labor jobs. He eventually found success as a salesman in many industries. Always a salesman, he once had a job selling bibles door to door. Mel had many different careers throughout his life until settling on the most important one to him, his calling, selling sobriety.
Mel began his life again as a sober man on August 26, 1985 and shortly thereafter began training to become a certified addiction counselor. He worked as an intern and counselor before starting Central Valley Addiction Center in 1994. Through the years, Mel helped hundreds of people struggling with their addiction to drugs and alcohol.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Lawrence Kaplan, director of the Lymphoma Program at UCSF Medical Center and the many other doctors and nurses that helped give him more time, and comfort and care when it was time to go.
A celebration of Mel's life will be held at 11 o'clock on Saturday, March 12 at Bear Creek Community Church, 1717 E. Olive Avenue in Merced.
In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests memorial contributions be made in Mel's honor to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org, or to the charity of your choice.
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Memories and Condolences
for Melvin Beckwith
Debra Firestone
October 17, 2020
Mel was a great boss and a very nice person. He was a faithful husband to his wife and a good father that care deeply about his children. I worked for him setting appointments for insulation and working for magazine sales. He was a brilliant man and father-like mentor. I'm glad to know that he went on to do great things, but sad to learn that he had struggled with cancer. Though I learned of this long after his passing, it is good to know that he had a wonderful life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
March 18, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the Beckwith family. May God embrace you with his comfort, strength and peace. Psalm 29:11
~Debra. HR
Regina Taber
March 14, 2016
Mel, you taught me so much about being an addiction counselor. You changed my life and the lives of so many others. You will be missed by each of us you touched and all the years you dedicated to helping others learn to stay "clean and sober ". I still quote you to friends and family and quoted you to the many clients I worked with over the years so you touched many you never even met. We will miss you
Melissa Radford
March 12, 2016
Mel my friend, our community has lost a beacon in you. May those of us blessed with sobriety due to your obnoxious honesty carry on your legacy. I love you.
Judi Sumrall
March 11, 2016
May you RIP...
Grace Schick
March 11, 2016
We love you and miss you.
Come visit us in our dreams.
Thank you for all that you did for others.
Tara Bedient
March 9, 2016
Such an amazing man. You will be missed Mel. My deepest condolences to all of ur family and friends. May u rest in peace.
March 8, 2016
As a patient of his, he always told the truth and he was willing to help. He gave and taught the way to live sober. Thank you
Penny cavanaugh
March 8, 2016
Mel, thank you for being such an awesome grand father. I am grateful to you for everything you ever did for me. I know your in heaven. I will see you again someday.
Sheri McSwain
March 8, 2016
Thank you for all you gave to so many. You taught me a lot, and gave me great advice, if I wanted it or not. I'll miss so much about you Mel, but I know you're where you were prepared to be. Thanks for your caring, the laughs, and love. You will be missed. Love you.
Ron Williams
March 8, 2016
Thank you for saving my life. By the grace of God and you I've made a beautiful life. Love you and will never forget what you did for me.
Stephanie Harrison
March 8, 2016
Mel was a great guy-a terrific service to this community.
Meg Beckwith
March 8, 2016
Rest in peace, Dad. We will miss you every day until we meet again.
Manolo Verdan
March 8, 2016
Condolence from Verdan family.
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