Robert Leonard Melton, 91
Robert Leonard Melton passed away November 3, 2021 at the age of 91 years and 11 months, at his home in Ponderay, Idaho, after years of coping with COPD.
Bob was the first-born of Marvin and Catharine Melton in Artesia, California. He grew up with his parents and one brother, Marvin Douglas (Tony) in Southern California. After he graduated from Compton College in 1949, he served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954 mustering out as staff sergeant.
He met his future wife, Coral Lynn Amstutz, being introduced by friends on a blind date. After two years, they were married October 6, 1960. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Dillon, Colorado, where their first child, Leah Catharine, was born in 1962. He was employed at Arapaho Ski Area in Colorado. Moving late in 1963 they arrived in Sandpoint, Idaho, just in time to join the opening of Schweitzer Ski Basin. Due to his experience at Arapaho he was hired immediately. His daughter, Marilee Susan, was born in 1970.
Bob worked in aircraft mechanics while in the Air Force and after a few years at Schweitzer, continued as an auto body mechanic for most of his life finally retiring in his mid-1970s. He restored many autos during his working years.
Bob loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing and spending much time with his animals. Getting his first elk was a big thrill. In later years he kept active, spending each day walking his dog and keeping friends and neighbors entertained with his humor and interests.
Many never saw the best side of Bob. He took life too seriously. He spent many hours discussing hunting, guns and cars. Family was very important to him. He always tried to keep up on all of his relatives and he had many aunts, uncles, cousins and immediate family. Bob and Coral celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on October 6, 2021.
Bob was a very caring person, probably not showing the world this side of him. He liked doing things right and was too quick to tell you. To him it was always because he loved and cared. We who really knew him and loved him will miss him so much.
Bob was a member of First Christian Church, served as a deacon and enjoyed visiting the elderly, helping wherever he could. When a neighbor lost a spouse he was quick to offer help. At home he read a lot most always non-fiction, past and current history, World War I and World War II, guns, wildlife and nature being favorites.
Bob is preceded in death by his brother Tony, at age 39; and by his parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Coral; daughters, Leah Heath (Lee), and Marilee Ortiz (Manny); step-grandson, Ryan; granddaughter, Amber Fager (Jeff); grandson, Nick Heath (Samantha); six great-grandchildren, Max, Macey, Jake, Joby, Wyley, and Hallie; brother-in-law, Loyal D. Amstutz (Donna); nieces, Denya Spielman and Darlene Amstutz; nephew, David Melton (Shelley) and their children; niece, Suzanne Messenger (Mike) and children; nephew, Daniel Melton (Tatiana) and children; plus many cousins.
A memorial service is planned for Friday, November 12, 2021, at 2 p.m. in the south building of North Summit Church on Division Avenue.