Melvin Van Dyke

Laconia Melvin Andrew Van Dyke (Mel), of Laconia, NH and Venice, FL was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away on December 8, 2024, after a brief illness. He was 93. Mel was born on September 19, 1931, in Paterson, New Jersey, the second of four boys born to Henry Van Dyke and Louisa Clouzet Van Dyke Burns. Mel grew up in Wykoff, New Jersey and graduated from Ramsey High School in 1949.

At the age of 21, Mel enlisted in the United States Army, where he attained the rank of corporal. As part of this service, Mel fought in the Korean War and earned the combat infantry badge, Korea Service Medal, 2 bronze service stars, National Defense Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. Following the Korean War, Mel attended the University of Idaho and graduated in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in Dairy Science. During his time in Idaho, he became a lifelong Vandal fan and supporter of the University, establishing a scholarship for agricultural science students each year and sponsoring the Women's Basketball locker room at the ICCU Basketball Arena.

Mel began his career with Safeway Foods in 1959 as a plant chemist in Washington DC. In 1961, he joined Germantown Manufacturing Company as a sales representative. In 1973, he formed MCV Sales, providing stabilizers and flavorings for ice cream and dairy products. Mel worked into his seventies as he loved his occupation.

Mel married his true love, Charlotte, in 1965 and together they raised three children. Mel was the consummate family man and loved spending time with his wife and children and later, his four grandchildren. He was continually involved in coaching little league baseball and soccer and was seen regularly on the ski slopes with his family during winter months. He loved gardening and was known for his beautiful azaleas, rhododendrons and thick green lawn. He was also a very talented woodworker and avid golfer.

Mel is survived by his beloved wife Charlotte Dew Van Dyke, daughter Susan Van Dyke Ostrow (Frank), son Mark Andrew Van Dyke (Kurt), daughter Karen Van Dyke Macdonald (Bill) and four grandchildren (Andrew Ostrow, Christopher Ostrow, Elizabeth Cole and Emma Cole).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Rd, Gilford, NH, followed by a reception at the Laconia Country Club, 609 Elm St, Laconia, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Laconia CAP Area Center Common Pantry (603-524-5512) or the Venice Little Theater (941-488-1115). Melvin Van Dyke , NH -