Melvin Wayne Valdez

Melvin was a true entrepreneur in the insulation industry, but those who knew and loved him will remember him as the way he embraced life to its fullest. He spent most of his life in Littleton, where he attended Littleton High School, and later studied business at Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado. He also treasured the many summer vacations he spent in Salida, Colorado. Melvin’s enterprising spirit showed itself early. As a boy, he tied flies and sold them to his Uncle Tony’s Barber Shop patrons. Some might say his first business venture was with his childhood best friend, Tommy. The two of them used a wire and a battery to light a flashlight bulb and charged his younger brother Domonic, sister Valerie, and the other neighborhood kids a quarter to watch. Even then, Mel had a spark, a wonderful sense of fun, and a way of turning ordinary moments into stories we still love to tell.

Melvin learned to ski with his older sister Shirley, taking the Winter Park bus up every weekend. He played in the Goddard Band with his sister Diana and worked hard at the trombone, always aiming for first chair. He loved tennis, golfing in the Tuesday night league with Scott and Ed, attending sporting events (especially the ASU vs. Georgia games), and the concerts with his friends.

He loved Salida just as much as both our parents did, especially the Boat Races. He was the family’s Easter egg coloring contest judge and proudly chose Jennifer’s pink egg as the winner every year. Christina, Nicolette, and Jaci never mastered winning against Uncle Mel at Monopoly, Clue, or Risk, until they read the official rules of the game. He could never quite beat our mom at Canasta, though we still smile wondering if she bent the rules now and then. He even invented the Quiet Game, which Britz and Nick never seemed to win because they always ended up giggling. Melvin stayed close with his aunts, uncles, and cousins, and he deeply cherished his friendships. More than anything, he loved being with the people who meant the most to him and made everyone feel welcome, included, and part of the fun. His bright smile, mischievous laugh, and joyful spirit brought warmth to every room and left a lasting mark with everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held close in our hearts.

Our dear brother was welcomed into Heaven with loving, open arms by our mother and father, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. We would like to imagine our grandmother there, ready with his favorite foods, especially her incredible jerky.

He is survived by his sister Shirley; brother-in-law Ed; sisters Diana and Valerie; brother Domonic; nieces Alisa, Christina (Mike) , Nicolette (Brandon) , Jaci (Bobby) Jennifer (Royal), Brittany (Evan), his nephews Scott (Erin) and Nick (Rebecca) and his great-nieces Addi, Lolo, Annabelle, Maria, and Olivia and his great-nephews Tycen, Hunter, Christopher, Allen, Gilbert and Teddy. Melvin’s memory will live on in the stories we tell, the laughter we share, and the love he gave so freely to each of us. We will miss him always, remember him with love, and carry him with us in our hearts every day.

Please join us to celebrate Melvin’s life on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Clement Park, 7346 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton, Colorado, at Shelters O and P, near the library starting at 5:00 pm.

“Sometimes you’ll never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” — Dr. Seuss