November 14, 2018

Dear Ruth & Family
I was truly sorry to hear about Mel. I was recently visiting friends  on Pine Lake who told me the sad news. Mel was an effervescent character–an absolute delight to work with on our various real estate dealings on Pine Lake. He was a gentleman–kind, reasonable, polite and generous–not easy attributes to find in business these days. He even let the current owners of his last cottage tour the lake on his pontoon boat before they even bought the cottage! Who does that? So trusting! I never did sample his famous smoked fish though he did give me a bottle of his favorite spice. So sorry for you, Ruth. I hope you are finding some comfort in your shared memories of his beloved Pine Lake. I know you have your own paintings..may you continue to paint beautiful things in memory of Mel.
 Suzanne Regan
 
 

November 09, 2018

Ruth, My sincere condolences to you and your family. I would have never gone into business for myself if it would not have been for Mel’s encouragement, support, and mentoring. Something that Mel told me many years ago that has stuck in my mind and guided me was to measure your success in life by the people you have helped to succeed, not by what you have achieved.
Rich Wallin
 

November 07, 2018

Ruth our hearts are sadden to hear of Mel’s passing. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. 
Bill Malynowsky
Chrystal Foster

November 07, 2018

Sometimes there are no words… No one who met Mel could ever forget him; he had a presence about him like no other. This warm, wise wonderful man touched so many live in so many way; our world on earth won’t be quite the same without him. My thoughts and prayers are with you; may you take comfort in knowing how much he was loved.

November 07, 2018

Dear Ruth, Leslie, and all the family…words fail me…we loved Mel so very much (as we love all of you). We are heartbroken that our jobs kept us from being able to see him before he passed. Know that you are all in our prayers. He will be missed by so many…So grateful to know with a certainty that Mel is free of all pain and basking in the Glorious presence of Our Lord. God Bless you and may He give you Peace. Sherry & Gerry Konjura

November 06, 2018

I will miss his smile and his laugh…Mel always seemed to inspire everyone he came in contact with…a one of a kind man.  His faith was strong and he also possesed such a savy for everything.  He was such a positive influence on my and Sherry’s life.  I am so sorry for your loss Ruth and Leslie.  May your grief be embraced in the arms of Jesus.  We will both continue to pray for you…God Bless and Take Care…Gerry k

November 06, 2018

So sorry to hear of Mel’s passing.  I am one of the many, many people whom God used Mel to bring me to Jesus.  His enthusiasm and energy for Jesus will be missed. He truly cared and help change my life.  My thoughts and prayers are with Ruth and the family. 
Jason Singleton

November 06, 2018

Dear Ruth, Leslie & family, We were so saddened to hear the news of Mel’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the upcoming days as walk through this time. We know that Mel is rejoicing in heaven. May God uphold you with his great grace & mercy, filling you with His peace that passes all knowledge. We will miss his smile, laughter & friendship. So many memories we will have forever. Love & Prayers, Irv & Chris Heller

November 06, 2018

Very sad of Mel’s passing. We knew he was a great man of God. God now has a beautiful angel. He will be certainty missed. Praying for all of his family & all friends,plus all of his church family of Worship Center. God bless the Hurst Family. Ed & Deb Sklar

November 06, 2018

Our condolences to Ruth and the Hurst family. We were so very sorry to hear about Mel. We will remember his smile and energy as he along with you Ruth greeted people at the Worship Center. Also his heart and passion for seeing others come to know Jesus. I saw Jesus in every area of his life. Will miss seeing his smiling face. Praying for peace, comfort, and God’s loving arms to surround you Ruth and your family.

November 06, 2018

We were so saddened to get the news of Mel’s death. He was so full of life the last we talked with you both. Our heartfelt sympathy to Ruth and the family. We are so very sorry that we are in Fl over the time of the funeral services but we will be praying from here for all of you. Chuck & Gloria

November 06, 2018

Hello Ruth, 
i was shocked hearing of Mel’s death. You and Mel meant a lot to me in my lifetime and I never forgot your friendship. Please know you and your family and in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Diane Hornberger

November 06, 2018

I can proudly say Mel was my best friend and one of my mentors in life. He made time for things that mattered. He was passionate about life and lived every minute with purpose. “One on one” was where he lived his Christian life. He would talk about Jesus to everyone. Waitresses, attendants, doctors, nurses, anyone, whether they were somebody or nobody, all strangers that became friends. Truly life with a purpose. Everytime I see a body of water or a sunrise, I will think of you my friend! We had a bond and shared a passion for fishing! Mel was great at all he put his hands to… The greatest of all was he was a fisher of men!!!! I miss you my friend!!! —–<*}))))>< 
-John Williams

November 06, 2018

Mel you will be greatly missed. Perfect picture of Mel with his fish. I will miss his encouraging words, his contagious laughter, his enthusiasm for life, and his endless curiosity. Ruth and family, may you be comforted by the memories of a life well spent. My heartfelt prayers are with you. Mel’s legacy lives on. Lives have been changed. Heaven is having a party. Be blessed. 
The “other” Karen Williams