Richard Carl Mellen

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Lake Forest Academy Stanford University

Richard Mellen Obituary

Richard Carl Mellen, 70 passed away suddenly on Sunday, Jan. 27th, while doing what he loved, sailing. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on Nov. 7, 1937 to Carl E. Mellen and Mildred (Wishard) Mellen. His parents moved to Waukegan, IL in 1938. Richard went to Greenwood Grade School and Lake Forest Academy before attending Stanford University, graduating in 1959 with a BA in Economics. After Stanford he served in the U.S. Army as a combat infantry second lieutenant. In 1960 he began working for USF&G Insurance Company in Nashville, TN as an underwriter. In February, 1962 he joined his father who had established his own insurance agency, Carl E. Mellen & Co. In 1975 his father retired and Richard took over as president and owner of the agency. He was involved with YMCA's Camp Jorn in Wisconsin, helping children to attend who would not otherwise be able to attend the camp. The Mellen Horse Arena at the camp is named after him. He was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity while attending Stanford University. He was one of the Founders of the Genesee Theatre. He was a member of the Waukegan Yacht Club since 1978 and enjoyed sailing his boat "Nightwind" on the Great Lakes. He was also a member of Knollwood Club since 1962, Glen Flora Country Club since 1962, City Club and Waukegan Historical Society. His membership in these clubs made him many lifelong friends. Richard was very active in the North Chicago Rotary Club, serving as President for two terms. He was a tenure member, joining in 1969 and he served on many committees. Richard enjoyed the game of golf and he loved to ski and fish. He also collected antique cars. He was an avid sailboat enthusiast and in 1995 he was able to have his dream boat "Pegasus" built. It was docked in St. Lucia and he loved to make trips there and enjoyed the beautiful island sailing. Richard was preceded in death by his father, Carl E. Mellen; his mother, Mildred I. (Wishard) Mellen; and his Aunt Mary (and Uncle Eddie) Logan of Mount Morris, IL. Richard's memory will long live with many whom he considered his "family". Among those are his fiancé, Kimberly Layden, Julie Guerin, who was a lifelong friend of the Mellen family and devoted employee for over 50 years, and all of his loyal office staff who remain at Carl E. Mellen & Co. Insurance. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 E. Vine Avenue in Lake Forest from 9 a.m. to 12 Noon. The service will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers donations would gladly be accepted by Camp Jorn YMCA, 2000 Western Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60087. Info:

(847) 234-0022

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 2, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Mellen

9 Entries

Kitty Pucin Andreassen

February 5, 2008

Our family had been associated with Dick, as well as his father Carl, for many years--through business, politics and socially. Among his many fine qualities, Dick was a true and charming gentleman.
My mother, Alice Pucin, and sister, Ardith Pucin Losch, join with me in sending sincere sympathy to Kimberly and to Dick's many close friends.

Anna Nolc Ramirez

February 4, 2008

As a former property claims adjuster for USF&G, I fondly remember many a lively conversation with Dick Mellen on claim issues. He was as passionate about the business of insurance as he was in other areas of his life. May he rest in peace. My sympathies go out to those close to him.

adele hendricks

February 4, 2008

Kim,
We send our deepest sympathy to you. I feel I knew Dick so well through his mother's stories she told to me as her neighbor. I miss her daily and will miss him too.
Please contact me if there is anything I can do to help.
With Love
Adele Hendricks & Vahe Guzelimian
Rancho Santa Fe, Ca 92067

Ken Larsen

February 4, 2008

Dear Kim,
Dick was a life long friend of ours and he will be missed. Gail and I will be unable to attend the services as we are in Florida and with Gail's health issues will not be able to attend. Our deepest sympathy to you and we will continue to keep you in our prayers.

Tom Ward

February 4, 2008

Margie and I will both miss Dick. He was a close (and colorful) friend through Knollwood for many years. His sudden loss is being felt by many such friends.

PATTY SHORT

February 3, 2008

I first met Dick years ago when my husband bought his father's Lincoln Continental Mark III. "Dad" was getting a new one and Dick was in charge of selling the old. We met Dick at his office and not only purchased the car, but became friends. Dick and my husband were in the City Club which met at the Waukegan Yacht Club, and those were always good times. Dick was always a gentleman, usually good natured, liked by all, and good to both the community where he had his business and also where he lived. He will truly be missed by those he knew, including myself.

Leslie Morris

February 3, 2008

Dick was my first remembered friend as child. I always enjoyed his company and will remember him forever. My sympathy to all the others who were closest to him.

Dan & Judy Drury

February 2, 2008

Dear KIm:

Judy & I are sadden to hear of Dick's death. We always enjoyed you & Dick's company at various Camp Jorn events and will miss seeng him. He believed that every child should have the opporunity to enjoy the northwoods and through his generosity he accomplish much. We will all miss him.
Because of Judy's health issues we will be unable to attend Tuesday's service.

Helen Walls

February 2, 2008

Kim:

I knew Dick as a member of the North Chicago Rotary Club. He and I worked on fundraising events from time to time. I'm still in shock, but I said a prayer for you and the family.

May God continue to bless and keep you in His care, that's my prayer.

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