Melvin L. Rich

Melvin Leroy Rich was born in Minatare, Nebraska May 25, 1917 to Loran Rich and Hazel Cooksey Rich. He was the oldest of four children. His birth was followed by Helen, Ellen and Melba. The family moved to Denver when Melvin was quite young. Tragedy struck the young family when Melvin was five years old, Loran became quite ill and he succumbed, leaving Hazel with four small children ages six months to six years of age. She worked doing whatever she could to support her children until a wonderful man named Bob Karnes married her and took on the role of husband and father.

Melvin attended Denver Junior Academy in his elementary years. He completed his high school years at Campion Academy, near Loveland, CO, after skipping a year to work and help defray expenses, and graduated in 1937. He then went to Union College, in Lincoln, NE where he worked in the Book Bindery to pay for his education. He started out in premed, but ended up majoring in business with a minor in history. With a passion for ministry and education he began his career in a pastoral role and education.

Later he began working at Porter Memorial Hospital (now called Porter Adventist Hospital). During this time he met his soul mate Agatha (call her “Peggy” or else) Evelyn Searl. A trip up Pikes Peak, a hand holding the gear shift in that old Model T Ford, and a quick down-shift, sealed the romance. Melvin was transfered to the Adventist Boarding Academy in Tulsa, OK, to become a Principal and teacher. Their romance was pretty serious at this time, and as many young men do, he started having “cold feet” about getting married, and wrote to tell Peggy “let's just be friends” She told him it was “all or nothing”. Well, sure enough, they were married on June 29, 1948, in the Chapel at Porter Sanitarium. To avoid the custom of stealing the bride for ransom, they escaped in an ambulance; and were actually disappointed that their escape was so good, they did not get to use “lights and siren”.

They moved to Boulder, Colorado, where their first child Judi was born, then moved to Denver, Colorado when Judi was nine months old. In 1953, their second child David was born, then in 1954 Micki and in 1958 Kim. Tragedy struck the family when David died at age 29 from unknown causes. Melvin and Peggy grieved his death until their last breath. They threw themselves into their grandchildren, Tony and Jami (David's children), Amber, Ryan, Aaron, and Isaac (Kim's children), Donald (Micki's son), and Mike and Andi (Judi's children).

Melvin lost his Peg on August 23, 2001, his heart ached for her for the next nine years. He was blessed with great-grandchildren, Quintin, Skylr (Amber's children), Anthony (Jami's son) and Lily and Niki (Andi's daughters). But nothing could fill the great longing in his heart for his bride. On Sunday, September 12, 2010, Melvin was finally taken to reunite with his bride and love of his life.

His family is left to pick up the torch of this gentle, great man as best we can. We thank him for all the love, guidance and sacrifices he made in his 93 years to give us a solid foundation to follow into the future without him. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Namaste Hospice, 1633 Fillmore Street, Suite 300, Denver, CO 80206. Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, Wheat Ridge, CO.