Roy L. Melcher

MELCHER Roy L Melcher, age 67 of Henniker, N.H., died Monday, December 20, 2010 at Hospice House in Concord, N.H. Born April 4, 1943 in Bridgeport, the son of the late Paul F. and Mildred C (Neitzel) Melcher, Roy was also predeceased by a son, Timothy Melcher. As a teenager, Roy L. Melcher was fascinated with fishing and shooting. As a young man, Roy studied industrial design and worked in the commercial fishing industry. He then approached Sturm, Ruger & Co. where he was hired to design firearms. From that point on, Roy devoted his professional career to designing firearms. In a career that spanned from 1968 to 2010, Roy worked primarily for Sturm, Ruger & Co. but also for Interarms and Beretta USA. Roy received seven patents for his work, and millions of firearms have been and still are being produced based on designs he took part in. He served in many areas of the industry including designer, engineer, plant manager, and Director of R&D. In addition, he served as an expert witness in many firearms related court cases. Roy earned respect and admiration from those with whom he worked, and his wisdom and friendship will be missed. Survived by his wife, Kathy E (Anderson) Melcher, of Henniker, N.H.; two daughters, Amber Danielle of Georgia, Christine Nicole, of Henniker, N.H.; grandsons, Isaiah Hairston, Crawford Hairston, Craig Lewis. Calling hours will be held Thursday, January 6, 2010 from 7 to 9 p.m. in The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation Service Henniker, NH. Funeral Services will be held Friday January 7, 2010 at 5 p.m. in the Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation Service Henniker, NH. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made in his name to the C.R.V.N.A. Hospice 30 Pillsbury St Concord, NH 03301. For more information log on to www.holtwoodburyfh.com