Melvin John Basañez

1937 - 2012

Melvin John Basañez, age 75, passed away at his home in Mountain City on October 20, 2012. He was born May 21, 1937, in Winnemucca, Nevada, to John and Felisa Basañez. Mel was raised in Winnemucca and moved to Elko in 1953 when his father was transferred with the railroad. He graduated from Elko High School in 1955, where he was selected the senior class President. Mel married Louise Tremewan on September 6, 1958, in Elko. He worked at Slim Olson's Service Station, the Nevada National Guard, Gregory Floral and Vogue Laundry before moving to Mountain City with his family in December of 1962, where he and Lou became partners in Tremewan's Store. Mel, Lou and their son Mitch continued to operate the store for the next 40 years until they retired in January of 2002.

Mel loved sharing stories and jokes with everyone. He enjoyed speaking with his customers in their native language, and recently said he thought he spoke better Indian than Basque. Mel was the Mountain City Fire Chief and in charge of the Mountain City Water and Sewer Department for many years. He deeply loved his family and enjoyed visiting with and following the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents John and Felisa Basañez, and by his son Raymond Basañez.

Mel is survived by his wife Louise of Mountain City, his sons Mitch and Dan (Bonnie), their children Amanda Steensen (Bobby), Cammie Nelson (Kevin) and Raymond (Skyler), his daughter Molly Wolf (Justin) and their children Tyler and Todd, and by his great-grandchildren Keaten and Carson Nelson, Millie Basañez and Alison Steensen, all of whom live in the Elko area.

Funeral services are set for Thursday, October 25th at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, with a celebration of life to follow at the Basque Club House.

Donations may be made to the Northeastern Nevada Museum or your favorite charity.