Hank Melcher Obituary

2/18/1942 - 5/4/2005

Our husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law and friend departed this world and his beloved Lavina ranch on May 4. His hard-working heart finally wore out.
Hank had calved his last calf and was starting another crop of barley when God brought him home to once again cradle his infant daughter Mary Jodene in his loving arms, both of them healthy and whole again.
Hank was born in Billings to Henry and Mary Melcher. He was raised in Broadview and graduated from Lavina High School.
He met Claudia in 1959, and they married on Sept. 8, 1962.
Hank worked the family farm near Broadview before moving to Laurel, where he sold Snap-On-Tools. He also worked on pipelines in both Montana and Wyoming. Hank then went on to work in the insurance industry, and after many years out on the road, he started his own successful brokerage, which he eventually sold to his son.
During his "retirement," he became involved in the Wyoming oil and gas industry. The last couple of years were spent doing what he loved - raising cattle and crops and tinkering around the ranch.
Hank loved to hunt and fish, and spent many happy times at his cabin in Checkerboard. There were no strangers at the cabin. Hank would invite everyone in and he spoiled us all with a "Bump" and a hearty meal cooked over his wood stove. He was famous for his fried brook trout and chicken or beef soup … "noodles, or rice" always your choice and always good. And no one will forget the elk steak with red sauce. We'll all try to make it, but it will never be as good without him.
Pinochle or poker, anyone . . . Hank liked to play both and always seemed to have just a little more luck than most! Whether it was cards, business or life, you learned early to never bet against him!
Hank had a nice collection of classic cars to which he recently added a prized and beautifully restored Studebaker Golden Hawk, much like the Silver Hawk he drove away with his bride back in 1962.
Hank especially loved to spend time with his grandkids. He taught them to hunt and fish and to enjoy and appreciate the great outdoors and the beautiful Big Sky Country that he loved.
Hank was generous to a fault, and by his example taught many to be more caring and giving in their own lives.
Hank leaves behind his wife Claudia; a son, H. Ed and wife Mary; a daughter, Kim and husband Pete White; three adoring grandchildren, Chase, Dillon and Erica White; a sister, Margaret Walth and family, as well as countless friends from near and far.

In tears we saw you sinking,
we watched you fade away.
You suffered much in silence
you fought so much to stay.
You faced your task with courage,
your spirit did not bend,
but still you kept on fighting
until the very end.
God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be,
so He put His arms around you
and whispered, "Come with Me."
And when we saw you sleeping
so peaceful and free from pain
we could not wish you back
to suffer that again.

Family requests memorials in Hank's name be sent to: Families for Outdoor Recreation, PO Box 20275, Billings, MT 59104.
Memorial services will be 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Smith West Chapel. Cremation has taken place.