Melvin James Treloar Sr.

Melvin was born on June 12, 1928 in “Big Rapids, Michigan.” Melvin had two brothers Glenn and Doug. Glenn was killed while parachuting into Germany during WW 11. Doug remained in Michigan until his death in the early part of 2000.

Melvin joined the Navy at a very early age and sailed on two different ships, one was the USS Kearsarge the other was the USS Coral Sea. After returning home from the Navy, Melvin continued his career on the water. He spent most of his time sailing for the Interlake Steamship Company on the Great Lakes as an Engine Room Oiler (Jr. Officer). Some of the ships were the Col James Pickens, Charles Schwab, Hoyt as well as others.

Melvin was married to Marian Raisanen in1964 and son Melvin James Treloar Jr. “Sonny” was born on August 16, 1965.

Sonny remembers how on the morning of November 11th, 1977 he was asked by his friend's mother which ship his father had sailed on the night before because “The Edmond Fitzgerald” had sunk the night before. Melvin knew so many of the men who sailed on the Fitzgerald that for years later it still bothered him. He would tell stories to any who wanted to know more about the ships as well as what it was like being on the water.

Sonny remembers the time when he was 9 years when his father took him aboard one of the freighters and the size of not only the ship but also the mess hall and then going to Melvin's cabin where photo's of Sonny where hanging on the wall still lingers with him today.

Melvin would sail on the Great lakes in the summer and worked odd jobs in the winter. Melvin was always trying to work locally so that he didn't have to spend the whole summer away from his family. Melvin also worked in the copper mines when the freighters weren't sailing. He didn't enjoy the mines so he also worked as a Taxi Driver for Hancock, Michigan.

Melvin moved to Oklahoma in 1980. Many things happened in 1981. Sonny moved to Oklahoma, and Melvin met Connie Surovik. On their second date Melvin proposed to Connie in grand style… the man of few words told her… “I'm only going to ask you once and once only…will you marry me.” Six months later they were married on December 14th, 1981. His new family came with twin boys…Mike and Mark, and a daughter Sharon and grandson Danny.

Melvin and all the boys joined in as a family of concrete workers where later on Sonny took his experience to Arizona and created his own business.

Melvin's taxi cab experience helped him greatly with this new larger family. There was never a time morning or night that Melvin wouldn't come to the rescue of some family member needing a ride to work, even if it was 30 miles away or picking them at wee hours of the morning.

Melvin had no idea that the drives that the children took with mom for coffee were legendary. The furthest we went with Mom for coffee was to Wichita…but Melvin ended up at the Gulf of Mexico and then another time New Mexico. The children always told him to make sure he had blankets, clothes and snacks in the car…when mom wanted a cup of coffee.

Melvin would take the grandchildren for hotcakes at McDonalds after spending the nights. We think it was an excuse for the syrup as later on we discovered his sweet tooth. He was always wanting his daughter-in-law Lorie to make her home made cinnamon rolls.

Melvin did give his heart to the Lord and for awhile they attended Victory Christian Center until his health and mom's work schedules interfered.

On February 4th, 2009 Melvin went home to be with the Lord leaving behind many family members. Wife Connie M. Treloar, Son, “Sunny” Melvin J. Treloar Jr., grandson Dillon, Sharon McGhee and husband John, grandson Danny and wife Bobbie with great grandchildren Kayla, Collier, Matt and Sara; Mark Surovik, son's, William Christopher Surovik, Joshua Surovik; brother Mike Surovik, wife Lori and grandson, Jonanthan and wife Carie, great grandchildren Tanner and Ryan, granddaughter Jennifer (Surovik) Tallent and husband Eric with great grandchild Colton.