Melvin Gove Fisk

1936 - 2025

Melvin Gove Fisk

April 18, 1936 - November 16, 2025

Richland, Washington - Melvin G. Fisk was born in Moscow, Idaho April 18, 1936, to Gove and Christine Fisk. He passed away on November 16, 2025 at age 89 years.

Mel graduated from Potlatch Public High School class of 1934 and the University of Idaho class of 1958. He married Arlene Lois Smith of Aberdeen Washington on August 11, 1956. Together they raised two children Vicki Melynn Piippo and Scott Allen Fisk.

After working his way through college Mel enjoyed employment in four diverse areas. The first eight years after college he spent with Albers Milling Company, managing a feed and farm store in Puyallup, Washington. He then spent 15 years in pharmaceutical sales for Lederle Laboratories. Mel's third change in direction was to Westinghouse Hanford Company where he was a Property Management Specialist. His final career as a chemical dependency counselor he always felt was the most rewarding. He never fully retired from this activity.

Mel enjoyed many activities during his lifetime. In his youth he was very active in 4-H and was a delegate to the National 4-H Cub Congress. As an adult he became active in volunteering for the Boy Scouts. He was a cub master, assistant scoutmaster and was elected to the Order of the Arrow. He found AA in 1992.

For over 30 years Mel raised, trained and handled in competition English Setters and English pointers. A large picture of one of his best dogs, Pacific Northwest shooting dog champion, Armel's BJ, hangs over his desk.

Following the athletic, academic and professional activities of his four grandsons has been one of his greatest joys. He was always there to listen, give advice and was a proud Grandpa of each of their accomplishments.

In 1981 Mel taught himself to knit. His first project was a personalized Christmas stocking for his oldest grandson. After that, each grandchild and great-grandchild received one of Mel's Christmas stockings with their name. He knitted beautiful afghans, socks for Arlene, hats, scarves and dresses for his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, loving stepmother Opal, brother Bernard and his son Scott. Mel is survived by his lifetime loving helpmate and wife of 69 years Arlene, daughter Vicki and her husband Rob Piippo, four grandsons Tracy (Danelle), Nicholas, Micah (Laura) Piippo, Joshua Fisk and seven great-grandchildren Noland, Olivia, Madison, Lillian, Jack, Josephine and Elise.

His Memorial Service is December 16th, 11 a.m. at Einans Events at Sunset, 915 By Pass Highway, Richland WA.