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John Charles Mellema

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John Mellema Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 5, 2014.

JOHN CHARLES MELLEMA
March 17, 1944 ~ January 24, 2014

John Charles Mellema, 69, of Vancouver, WA, passed away on January 24, 2014. He was born in Portland, OR and preceded in death by parents, John Sr. and Rose Mellema.

John C. was owner of Mellema Manufacturing where he created solutions to unusual problems with cars, boats, gears, and a variety of gadgets. He was known for helping others and loved to entertain. He enjoyed skiing, golfing, boating, and vacationing - plus, he was well known at several restaurants around town.

He is survived by his daughter, Rachael Park Reiton; Fox Terrier, Barney; and several cousins.

Memorial and reception will be held at 1 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 12, at the Hostess House: 10017 NE 6th Ave., Vancouver, 98685.

Donations can be made to the Salvation Army.

Private interment will be at Park Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home.
Please sign his Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Recent Activity

March 30, 2014

john heinze posted to the memorial.

March 8, 2014

Kristi Rose posted to the memorial.

February 20, 2014

Someone posted to the memorial.

28 Entries

john heinze

March 30, 2014

all the years from working in a garage with homer to doing work for us in north carolina. you were a special person. may the golf course meet your golf swing and may the mountain meet your ski's.

Kristi Rose

March 8, 2014

I was given the gift of John....He showed me so much in the time I had with him....no words can express the loss I feel....Everyday my heart hurts with the loss of you....I will always value what you taught me and will always have you in my heart....I love you always! Very sorry for your loss to everyone hurting...

February 20, 2014

The Fort Vancouver High School Class of 1962 extends our deepest sympathy on the passing of your family member. We will remember John, our former classmate, in our prayers.

1962 Class Reunion Committee
Cheryl Cooke Thomas (Chairperson)

silver rock la quinta

Jeff J

February 17, 2014

So sad to end so suddenly,25 years of wonderful friendship so many things I could never forget or begin to to repay for.We didn't get to finish the dream,but I won't forgetand we'll continue in a better place nothing but sunshine green fairways and all the Zebra cake we can eat.Love you buddy there's a huge hole in my world that wont be filled till we meet again

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Mike Jasperson

February 13, 2014

I have known John for over 25 years as a supplier of cutting tools for his machine shop. I loved his sense of humor, we were always smiling when John visited us at MacKinnon Tool.

Will miss you John,

Mike Jasperson

Victoria Rappin

February 13, 2014

Rachael, I really enjoyed the memorial. I knew John for about 25 years. I work at Vancouver Bolt and John and Barney would come to see me almost every week to pick up any bolts or fasteners he needed for his shop jobs. In turn he would often do special machine jobs for us. We all loved John and his sidekick Barney. I am so relieved to know Barney is safe with you. It was wonderful hearing your story which shows what a caring person he was. He will be missed.

February 12, 2014

Rachael I am so sorry for your loss. The service was wonderful but I didn't get a chance to say hi. Your words were beautiful. He will be missed by many.I have known him for many years. Love, Marcy (John's barber)

Renee Woodall

February 11, 2014

John, you are in my thoughts always. I miss you already.

February 11, 2014

John, you are in my thoughts always. I miss you already.

A great friend!

Nancy Gillespie

February 11, 2014

John 2007 at the Nelson's

Nancy Gillespie

February 11, 2014

Scott, John and Tim

Nancy Gillespie

February 11, 2014

Brenda Schelman

February 11, 2014

Rachael & Brian, I'm very sorry for your loss. Although he left too soon, you'll find comfort in all the memories! I will never forget Mexico and how he beamed with pride walking you down the aisle!

Catherine Lundon

February 10, 2014

For many years I have had the honor of being a small part of Johns life during his visits to the Desert. I will miss him, his visits, his friends and of course Barney who had all become a regular part of Saturday night in Palm Desert for seventeen years. I am grateful to have know him and will keep these memories in my heart forever.

February 9, 2014

I had the pleasure of working with John more than 20 years. He was a great teacher in the world of manufacturing.
Count on him to have the best Hot Rod at Burgerville on Vancover, WA. Along with his good friend Richard.
He will be missed.

ROGER EHLE

February 9, 2014

THANKS FOR THE FRIENDSHIP AND ALL THE MECHANICAL HELP , YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED .TAKE CARE RACHAEL.......

Leslie and Renae Elmers Restaurant

February 8, 2014

You are missed so much by Renae an I up at Elmers! Its truly not the same without you.Thankyou for making us laugh. Great memories of you will stay with us forever.

Barbara Peterson

February 8, 2014

God bless you for being a good and faithful dad to my sweet Rachael. That speaks volumes in Gods eyes.

Jorid Hansen

February 7, 2014

Rest in peace my friend. My heart goes out to your daughter that you always spoke so highly of.

Becky O'Neil McBrayer

February 7, 2014

Condolences, love and peace to Rachael and all of John's friends and cousins.

Rachael Reiton

February 6, 2014

You were my hero, dad. We had a few stumbles, but over all I think we did pretty good. I will miss you so much. Thanks for taking a chance on me. I love you.

Mitch DeGagne

February 6, 2014

You will be missed John, thanks for being a friend to my wife and I.

Connie Golec

February 6, 2014

So sorry for your loss, thinking of you Rachel.

Richard Frank

February 6, 2014

Happy Trails John! I will always remember all the great boating adventures you took us on. Rest in Peace.

Samuel Chinakos

February 6, 2014

My sympathy to all of John's family and friends. He was always a joy to be around. Thank you for your friendship John Mellema.

Judith Kimbell

February 6, 2014

Rachael, I am so sorry.

I love and cherish the time I spent with you, rest in peace my dear friend!

Paige Cassle

February 5, 2014

I will miss our special friendship. My heart is very heavy and sad to have lost a great man and special friend way too soon. One of my favorite sayings is, “Friends come into our lives and friends leave our lives. But friends never leave our hearts. And best friends always get to stay in the best places in our hearts.”
? John M. Simmons, The Marvelous Journey Home
My thoughts and prayers are with John's family.

WAYNE & CIL SCHMECK

February 5, 2014

OUR DEAR FRIEND JOHN YOUR LOVE AND VISITS WITH BARNEY AND THE MANY HAPPY TIMES WE HAVE HAD WILL BE MISSED BY US. WE SEND OUR LOVE AND PRAYER AND COMFORT TO RACHAEL AND FAMILY.

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Funeral Services Provided By

Hamilton-Mylan Funeral Home, Inc. - Vancouver

302 W. 11th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660