Joseph Hector "Hank" MELANSON

1949 - 2018

MELANSON, Joseph Hector "Hank" ( Age 69) June 30, 1949 November 3, 2018 Joseph "Hank" Hector Melanson passed away on Saturday, November 3rd, 2018 in his home in Spokane, WA. Hank was born in Shediac, New Brunswick, Canada on June 30th, 1949, a son to Leonard and Louise (Richard) Melanson. He immigrated to Massachusetts in 1956, where he was raised. He served as a United States Marine in the Vietnam War in the battle of Khe Sanh. Always generous, he gave back through his kindness to others, volunteer work at the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, helping build schools in South America, and service as an Honor Guard for other fallen heroes. Hank loved life and tried to live it to the fullest, having sailed the South Pacific, ran countless ultra-marathons, fishing, enjoyed scuba diving, and always had his sights on Mt. Everest. He retired as an aircraft mechanic and inspector, having worked with U.S. Customs, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon. He is survived by his life partner, Kirsten of Spokane, WA; children: Christopher Melanson and wife Lori of Jacksonville, FL, Dana Melanson and grandchildren of Palm Bay, FL, Lindsay (Melanson) and husband Christopher Camaioni of Fort Belvoir, VA, Jerry and Sean Smith of Spokane, WA, and Megan Smith of Oakland, CA; siblings, Raymond Melanson and wife Debra of Fitchburg, MA, Leonard Melanson of Wichita, KS, Frank Melanson and wife Kathy of Winchendon, MA, Laurie Melanson and wife Linda of Fitchburg, MA, Annette Melanson of Pennsylvania; many nieces and nephews. Hank was predeceased by his brothers Ronnie and Louis Melanson. We will remember the laughs shared and meals prepared; we will remember the lessons learned and hard times adjourned; we will remember the wisdom taught and kindness brought; we will remember the love bestowed and friendships grown. A warrior to the end, he will always be missed, loved, and memories cherished.