Melvin Larimer

TRAVERSE CITY — Melvin Larimer was born in Bronson to Russell and Pearl Larimer on Nov. 17, 1930. He was the beloved husband, father, music educator and friend of those privileged to share his life in these roles.

He married his adored wife Joan in 1952, and together they raised their five children in several communities across the state, where he taught and became involved in church and community life. Mel received his bachelor's degree from Albion College and master's degrees from both Michigan State and the University of Michigan.

In his life's adventure he taught vocal music in public schools in Alma, Pontiac and Traverse City before moving on to Olivet and Albion to end his 43-year teaching career at the college level. He loved the 30 summers he taught at Interlochen Arts Camp, bringing his children to this special musical, magical place to immerse their lives in the arts and nature for eight weeks each year. His students have gone on to become successful educators and performers around the world.

Mel's choir tours of the state, nation and world gave many students their first peek at the world beyond Michigan, and brought joy to those adults who were to share the church choir trips to Europe after his retirement in Traverse City. Church choirs in every community Mel lived in were blessed to share in Mel's love of God and music under his direction.

Mel shared his leadership in several music organizations as well as church and community groups. His tireless efforts in various areas brought him many honors in organizations throughout the state and nation. Over the years Traverse City recognized him with awards from the Lions Club, Jaycees, Traverse City Optimist Club, Rotary and Traverse City Central Hall of Fame.

His other interests were many and included fishing, hunting, reading, athletics, cross-country skiing, travel and church architecture. He died at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 27. We will surely miss this very special man.

Mel's family carries on his legacy and love of music and the arts: his wife, Joan; children, Jacque Pavlosky (Christopher), Christy Compson (Thomas), Russell Larimer (Deborah), Laurie Connin (Carl), Jennifer Larimer (Joseph Robinson); grandchildren, Andrew and Nicola Pavlosky, Catherine and Rachel Compson, Ashley and Allison Larimer, Jeremy Connin and Jamie Morris; and great grandchildren, Alex and Allison Morris. His brother Myron, sister Marion and many nieces and nephews also remain.

He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Milton.

Visitation will take place Friday, April 4, from 5 until 8 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City.

A memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the Traverse City First Congregational Church, with The Rev. Dr. Gary Hogue presiding.

For a more lasting memorial, the family asks that gifts be made to the First Congregational Church, Munson Hospice, the Melvin Larimer Scholarship Fund at Albion College, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

A mass choir will form to sing for the funeral service of Mel Larimer on April 5, 2008, at First Congregational Church on Center Road in Traverse City. Rehearsal will begin at 11 a.m. in preparation for the 1 p.m. service. Russell Larimer will conduct Locus iste (Bruckner), How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place (Brahms), and Soon Ah Will Be Done (Dawson). Bring scores if available. If you plan to attend, please email Sally Lewis at [email protected] and leave your name and voice part so that preparations can be made for music and space. Please extend this invitation to anyone who would like to participate.

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.