Colleen "Melick" Melick

1947 - 2025

Colleen Corbett Melick left us on July 14, 2025. She was born in Seattle to Everett Ashley and Marnel (Corbett) Melick on January 4, 1947. Colleen grew up in the Highline area, graduating from Glacier High School. Her mother said, "she never met a stranger."

Of course, she was voted "Friendliest Girl of the Year," won five letter awards, three for tennis, and two for girls athletics. Also voted the tennis teams "most inspirational player" as a sophomore and senior, she was also Team Captain. Skiing? Sure. She won first place in advanced skiing at Ski Acres as a sophomore, lots of good skiing at Mt. Baker too. But wait, there's more! A lot more.

At Highline College she took first place in the state for tennis women's singles. Onto Western Washington University earning a degree in Physical Education and Health, later obtained a master's degree. She also acquired her first of many, many Old English Sheepdogs.

Colleen's career stayed true to her calling. She was a P.E. teacher for two years at North Thurston High School. She was Teacher Leader in the People to People program. She took students to home-stays in Europe. Of course, she was voted, "Teacher of the Year."

South Bay Elementary, Olympia became her home for 27 years. While at South Bay, her students were four times state champions of the Presidential Physical Fitness Test, a national fitness competition. A South Bay parent said that, "her two daughters adore Miss Melick and she has a magical way of making P.E. a total delight."

After speaking at a school board meeting, Colleen received a letter from the Special Education Services Director stating: "Dear Colleen, How wonderful! Such great information and testimony given to the board regarding the benefits of children with disabilities being included with all children in your program. It is obvious that 'every child is a winner' in your program. Additionally, let me say I have always been aware of and appreciated your positive attitude and contribution to ALL children within this school district. Those attributes will continue to serve as models for all of us." Colleen rode her bicycle in the STP- Seattle to Portland.

Her last two years at South Bay were teaching second grade, which of course again was voted Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Debbie Wing at Southside School in Shelton encouraged Colleen to come join them in the Fall of 1996. She remained there for several years, but health issues started to slow her down. Many summers included Game Director for Vacation Bible School and A.W.A.N.A., a program at Hood Canal Community Church where she was a member.

Through a mutual friend, Colleen met her life partner of 23 years, Kathy Olson. Their first adventure was a 13,000 mile, two month RV road-trip to British Columbia and Alaska, going to the end of every road they could find. They were accompanied by two Old English Sheepdogs, of course. Even a few trips with sister Pat, snorkeling in Honduras and three adventures to Nome, AK. Shortly after, Colleen was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. During chemo, lots of board games were played. Eventually she was cured after 10 years.

Kathy and Colleen had kayaks and motor- scooters, transporting and using them from Alaska to Mexico, most of the time they had their two Old English Sheepdogs with them.

A few years ago, Colleen was diagnosed again with a severe cancer. Chemo blasted the cancer to a fault and left Colleen with extreme neuropathy in her hands and feet. She totally lost her independence and relied more and more on Kathy. Colleen could no longer handle the kayaks, the scooter, tennis, skiing, or even walking without assistance. Then came heart surgery and hospitalization. She never regained feeling in her hands or feet, and never recovered. Sadly, the end came much sooner than anyone expected, but at least her pain had ended. She passed peacefully.

Colleen touched so many children in such a positive nurturing way. She will be forever missed and never forgotten.

The family includes, sister Patricia Melick Pringle of Lake Cushman, cousin Mary Corbett Backholm of Eugene, OR, and life partner Kathy Olson of Lake Cushman. Extended family includes, Jim and Sue, Gail (Dan), Gabe, Alexis, Jennie (Bruce McCoy). The entire Backholm cousins and her forever friend since third grade, Kathy O'Kelly.

A Celebration of Colleen's Life will be Saturday, October 4, 2025 at the Hood Canal Community Church in Hoodsport. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to an animal shelter of your choice. "Thank You.