Mellis Mel R. Dyson Jr.

A more giving and helpful nature could not be found than that which Mel Dyson displayed. An exemplary host who consistently opened his home and his heart to family and friends, Mel made all around him feel welcome and at ease. There are few who knew him who cannot recall some instance in which Mel assisted them during a time of need. Often times one didn’t even need to ask; with insight and uncommon selflessness, Mel was there, anticipating how he could help others. Always ready with a joke, amusing story, or simply his unique perspective on life, Mel would cheer those around him; bring a smile to their faces, laughter into their lives, and joy at simply being in his presence. Mel was never one to brag on his countless good deeds and thoughtful gestures. He expected nothing in return for all that he gave. His reward was simply in knowing that he could be there for others.

On an average and ordinary day in Daytona Beach, Florida, an extraordinary event occurred. Mellis Raymond Dyson, Jr. was born the first child of Mellis Raymond Dyson, Sr. and Lorraine Marie (Ewert) Dyson. The date was November 4, 1944. Lorraine labored long and hard, struggling to bring into the world the gift that was Mel. With his brilliant shock of bright red hair, little Mel soon acquired the nickname “Red”. Mel Sr. was serving with the United States Navy and was a Pearl Harbor survivor. Just 6 short months into Mel’s life his hardworking and dutiful father was called away by the United States Navy on a ship headed for Japan. As a young military wife and new mother, Lorraine left Florida for Chicago, Illinois where she could be near her family while her husband was sailing the seas and defending our country. A year later the family was reunited and eventually travelled, once again, across the country to finally settle in Denver, Colorado where Mel Sr. had family and they could acquire a home of their own.

Soon the family of three grew to four as young Robert was born. Within a year, Thomas followed completing the family. On November 15th of 1951 Mel and Lorraine purchased their home on Magnolia Street in Denver. It was here that the family permanently put down roots and Lorraine lives there still.

Mel’s great love for the outdoors prompted him to join the Boy Scouts at the early age of 6. Thus began a life-long commitment to an organization that would factor largely in his life for nearly 60 years. Applying the principals of dedication, respect, duty, and responsibility instilled in him by his parents, Mel flourished as a young Boy Scout. Some of his most cherished moments occurred during the numerous camping expeditions with the Boy Scouts, shared first with his father, and later with his own son. With enthusiasm and diligence Mel pursued every activity this organization had to offer and consistently exceeded all requirements. Mel found within the Boy Scouts challenge, fulfillment, opportunity to serve others, and such great joy that he maintained involvement throughout his life.

At the age of 14 Mel worked as a caddy for Safeway. He was a dedicated and hard worker. At the age of 16 his dad offered him the opportunity to work with him at the gas station he owned. Mel eagerly accepted and learned automotive mechanics from his dad. This knowledge quickly blossomed into a great love of cars which he pursued all of his life. It was while working at his dad’s gas station that a good friend, Kenny, introduced Mel to the greatest love of his life, Donna Bea Bane. Instantly attracted to the beautiful Donna, Mel asked his friend Kenny if he might have the pleasure of calling her. As Kenny was a mutual friend to both Donna and Mel, he promptly encouraged Mel in his pursuit. Mel envisioned himself as a tough greaser type but Donna saw him as the compassionate, gentle, and caring young man from a decent and respectable family that he really was. The attraction was mutual and a new love was born and flourished.

Mel was attending East High School and Donna was attending South High School. The two schools were rivals and Mel would tease Donna calling her school Peeyooo High and Donna would retaliate by calling Mel’s school Stinky High. Lorraine recalls that Mel was a good student who performed well and never caused any trouble. However, Donna recalls instances of less than exemplary behavior. For example, there was the time that Mel arrived home well after his curfew to a locked house. His parents assumed he was snugly in bed, sleeping away and had no idea that he was actually out late with friends. In an attempt to gain entrance to the home without alerting his parents, Mel had to break a basement window.

Staying out late at night seemed to be a common problem for Mel. Another time, during an especially cold winter, Mel drove home with a friend. Both Mel and his friend had enjoyed an unspecified amount of alcohol which caused a bit of forgetfulness on Mel’s part and a particularly deep slumber on that of the friend. Having fortunately arrived home safely, Mel gratefully stumbled inside and promptly fell asleep within the warmth and comfort of his inviting bed. His less fortunate friend awoke some hours later in a dark and freezing cold car parked outside of Mel’s house. In his inebriated state, the friend unsteadily made his way to the door which he proceeded to pound upon while yelling for admittance. In addition to having been compromised by the cold and dark, the friend evidently also became confused with his directions as he awoke not the Dyson family as was his intention, but their neighbors who promptly called the police. At this point Lorraine was awakened by all of the commotion and graciously claimed the poor young man and finally admitted him to the warmth of her home.

Mel was a resourceful young man who often planned ahead. This served him well when his dad attempted to punish him for some wrong doing by taking away his car keys. With an uncommon display of sass, Mel informed his dad that he could go ahead and take his car keys as he had several spares on hand.

Despite a few instances of mischievous behavior, Mel was a considerate and respectful young man. Following high school, Mel attended 2 years of technical school learning electronics. At the age of 21, Mel asked the recently graduated, 18 year old Donna when she thought they might get married. Even this early in their relationship they shared an unspoken understanding with one another. And so it was that on February 19th, 1966 Mellis Raymond Dyson Jr. and Donna Bea Bane publicly declared before man and God their eternal love for one another in holy matrimony.

The happy newlywed couple left on their honeymoon to go visit Donna’s sister, Linda in Wichita, Kansas. Mel was so proud to be driving his black 1955 Chevy convertible on this first get away with Donna. However, the trip was fraught with mishap and tragedy. On the long drive from Denver to Wichita Donna threw a cigarette out the car window. The wind sucked the cigarette back into the car where it lodged inside the vehicle against the convertible top where it smoldered. Soon the resulting smoke filled the car and panic set in as Mel quickly pulled to the side of the road to extinguish the damage the burning cigarette had done. Concern over the damage caused, Mel was nonetheless relieved that the incident hadn’t been more serious. Shortly thereafter a re-fueling stop became necessary. At a roadside gas station Mel and Donna admired a sleek and shiny Jaguar whose driver was also getting gas. Undoubtedly noticing the admiring looks cast his way, the driver raced out of the gas station, showing off his hot rod. His exit was certainly noticeable for the reckless speed demonstrated. Being more moderate and careful, Mel and Donna continued on their way heading in the same direction as the speeding Jaguar. Some 15 minutes later they spotted a terrible accident just up ahead. As the road they traveled was relatively free of traffic, Mel and Donna were the second vehicle to arrive upon the scene. Immediately Mel ascertained the severity of the accident. It became evident that the speeding Jaguar had collided head on with a vehicle headed in the opposite direction. The impact was so great that the driver of the Jaguar as well as the three passengers of the other vehicle were all killed. Mel instructed Donna to remain in the vehicle while he himself did what he could to help by directing traffic around the accident until emergency response vehicles could arrive.

Traumatized by the events that heralded the start of their marriage, Mel and Donna finally arrived at their destination and shared the horrific happenings of their journey with Donna’s sister, Linda. With their visit concluded they began their return journey home. Yet trouble continued to follow them. During their careful drive home, the hood of the ’55 Chevy became unlatched, slamming back up against the windshield, over the top of the car, and totally off to land on the pavement behind them. Once again panic and terror reined as they gradually slowed and eventually were able to make their way to the side of the road. A handy coat hanger was manipulated to re-attach the hood and yet the velocity of the vehicle combined with the windy plains and semi trucks caused the hood to thump, bump, and whoosh the entire way back to Denver.

Despite a most inauspicious start, Mel and Donna weathered their honeymoon well. Employing their inherent traits of calm and cohesiveness in the face of adversity, their relationship was strengthened and they learned to rely on one another as their source of comfort and strength. Little did they know at the time how important these characteristics would be to them for their future.

A mere one year after being married, Mel had a difficult decision to make. Facing the same issue his father before him had endured, Mel and Donna reconciled themselves to the Vietnam War that was ravaging the nation. Mel drew upon his knowledge and experience of electronics and relayed these skills to the local draft office. It wasn’t long before he became an enlisted man in the United States Army. The year was 1967 and Mel attended basic training camp in Ft. Bliss, Texas. From there, the Army instructed Mel to complete cryptographic training. Mel and Donna relocated to Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey for this training. After training, which Mel passed with flying colors, the couple was separated as Mel was shipped out to Vietnam.

War is a time many veterans are loath to talk about and Mel was no different. It was an incredibly difficult time but he was fortunate in that his experience was put to use coding and decoding messages which kept him out of the warfare being waged in the jungles all around him. In addition to the constant fear and loneliness that Donna had to cope with back home, she had her own war being waged. Initially there was elation at the discovery that Donna was pregnant. Having to face this challenge on her own without her husband at her side was an incredible strain. This was a horrible time for both Mel and Donna and neither of them could recall it without experiencing wrenching grief. Six months into the pregnancy complications arose and Donna miscarried. With her husband half way around the world in constant danger, Donna was overwhelmed by this tragic loss and the foundation of her life was shaken to the core.

Eventually Mel returned safely home to Donna and they gratefully embraced the gift of simply being with one another. With all of the heart ache and suffering they had endured, Mel declined to re-enlist, choosing instead to dedicate his time and his life to building a life with the woman he loved. They worked hard to heal the loss and emptiness within one another. In time they became stronger and learned to find happiness together once again. Rebuilding their lives that were so abruptly interrupted by the war, there existed an emptiness that they could not fill. Donna’s ordeal had left her unable to bear any future children and they both were overflowing with the love and desire to be parents. After a great deal of serious discussion and consideration they made the monumental decision to adopt.

For three long years they anxiously awaited day after day for a child they could call their own. Unlike most parents who make the decision to adopt, Mel and Donna had decided that did not necessarily require a baby but would be willing to have an older child. Finally, at long last, Donna received a phone call from social services. The social worker wanted to know if they would be willing to accept not one, but two children. Donna could hardly believe their luck. In one stroke they were being offered the opportunity to become a complete family. The social worker explained that there were two children, brother and sister, who needed a home. Donna could hardly wait for Mel to get home from work to share the wonderful news. Without hesitation, Mel eagerly agreed with Donna that this was an answer to their prayers.

Not only was God answering Mel and Donna’s prayers, He was also answering the prayers of 5 year old Wendy and 2 year old Todd who had been without a true home or family for most of their young lives. Wendy and Todd had been enduring their own hardships just as their soon-to-be parents had been. Being shuffled from foster home to foster home they had led a rootless existence lacking the warmth and love that a stable, caring family could provide.

At long last, in the fall of 1974, four lives came together to create the most unique, grateful, and loving family imaginable. Obviously it took time to get to know one another, to develop trust, and to fully accept that we all belonged to one another. But Mel and Donna had weathered unimaginable heartache and come through victorious, with their love not only intact, but stronger than ever. Drawing upon the ethics, morals, principles of conduct, and the example of loving cohesiveness demonstrated by their own parents, Mel and Donna nurtured their new family.

With endless patience and love Mel and Donna embraced Wendy and Todd as their own. If not of their own flesh and blood, their children were born of their intense love, generosity, and long held desire to lavish all they had to give on two young lives dependent on them. That which other families took for granted was a cherished gift of immeasurable value to the, now complete, Dyson family.

Mel, Donna, Wendy, Todd, and a dog named Happy. A void was filled for them all.

Mel excelled in all other things he applied himself to, but as a parent he had no equal other than his loving wife, his partner and best friend, Donna. Together they taught Wendy and Todd how to love wholeheartedly and unconditionally, the importance of trust and respect and how to live accordingly, responsibility, generosity, and above all …. the value of family.

One of Mel’s greatest gifts was that of laughter. Every evening he shared new jokes as the family shared their evening meal together. A smile was great, but if he could cause another to laugh, that was exceptional.

One particular incident that causes a great deal of laughter even these many years later was, rather unintentionally, provided by Mel. It was a hot summer day and Mel and Donna had instilled in Wendy and Todd the value of chores and working together as a family. On this glaringly hot summer weekend the whole family was out working together in the yard. Mel was mowing the lawn while Donna, Wendy, and Todd pulled weeds, raked grass clippings, and otherwise tidied the yard. They had all been working so hard and it was so hot that eventually Donna, Wendy, and Todd all took a short break in the shade of a tree. Catching their breath, taking a much needed drink of cold water, the three watched as Mel labored tirelessly mowing the lawn. It wasn’t long before Mel realized he was the only one still working while his family negligently lazed in the shade. Hot and tired himself, Mel indignantly told his family just how he felt about their extended break while watching him slave away. Shaking the proverbial finger of admonishment he unwittingly walked backwards while scolding his errant family. So intent was he on voicing his displeasure that he failed to notice the trash can only half full of grass clippings behind him until it was too late. Having gained momentum as he backed into the trash can he quickly lost his footing, tripping he tumbled rear end first into the trash can where he stuck fast with feet waving in the air. Having just moments before been humbled and shamed for the laziness, the remaining Dyson’s couldn’t contain the immediate hilarity the instantly bubbled forth. After all, it was Mel himself who had inspired this sense of humor and love of laughter in them all. Unfortunately, Mel’s temper was not helped when his demands for help in escaping the trash can were not immediately heeded as his family was laughing too hard to assist him. Yes, Mel could always make others laugh.

Having overcome such insurmountable odds in becoming a family, Mel and Donna truly believed and instilled this same belief in their children, that anything was possible. All parents encourage their children by telling them they can be anything they set their minds to. But Mel and Donna knew this in their hearts more than any others because of the miracle that was their family. No ambition was too grand, no endeavor too small to be pursued. And so it was that Mel and Donna encouraged Wendy in Todd in such varied activities as sports in the form of football, baseball, basketball, and cheerleading, music in the form of flute, piccolo, trumpet, guitar, and God Bless them … even drums. Dance, reading, writing, camping, fishing, baking, any activity a child could pursue Wendy and Todd were given the opportunity. Every attempt was rewarded with lavish praise and constant support.

Church played a large role in the Dyson household. Being members of Alameda Heights Methodist Church, the Dyson’s attended regularly and participated in every activity. Mel had a beautiful voice that enriched the congregational Sunday hymns. He graciously accepted the position of usher, chaperone and escort on camping expeditions, and always accepted with grace any activity asked of him. Mel and Donna blessed their children with the gift of faith, knowledge of the Lord and His word, and instructed them on how to pray and how to care for others.

Weekend drives were a common family activity that they all relished. Camping expeditions were a regular summer past time. Mel had always been a great lover of the outdoors. It brought him tremendous joy to introduce his son, Todd to the Boy Scouts. Mel eagerly taught Todd all he knew of fishing, camping, how to survive in the great outdoors, and how to be a responsible Boy Scout. Having been involved in this organization since he was just 6 years old himself, Mel was an active member for all of his life. In 1958 Mel needed 21 badges to become an Eagle Scout. As he frequently did in so many aspects of his life, he far exceeded the requirements. Instead of the mere 21 badges, Mel earned 38. This was a significant achievement as Mel was a second generation Eagle Scout, once again following in his father’s footsteps. As an adult, Mel was nominated and progressed through the three steps necessary to achieve the honor of belonging to the Order of the Arrow. An honor of the highest degree, it was no surprise when Mel was nominated and elected. His first Order of the Arrow sash acknowledged him as an Ordeal Member; the first of three steps. From there he progressed to the Brotherhood. With tremendous pride in his accomplishment, Mel was awarded the Vigil Honor; the highest honor achievable within the elite Order of the Arrow.

The Order of the Arrow is run by all boys, not the older adult members. It is common for the adults to give the boys, particularly the chief, a difficult time. The chapter to which Mel belonged, the Medicine Pipe, had a young boy chief that Mel held in great esteem. Early on Mel told the chief that as long as he took care of the boys, I’ll take care of the adults so they don’t come down on you. A man of honor, a man of his word, Mel followed through with this promise to the young chief earning even a greater level of respect and esteem. Mel was passionate about his involvement with the Order of the Arrow. His most recent position within the organization was that of District Commissioner. To be a member of this elite group was an extreme honor held in high regard and Mel accepted his responsibilities with all seriousness, dedication, and great joy.

Mel drew upon his schooling in electronics as a career path. Working in the field of electronics enabled him to meet many people who became great friends. He created a positive and welcoming atmosphere to those who worked with him. Mel had a wide range of knowledge pertaining to electronics and a natural ability to manage and interact with others. His opinion was highly regarded and frequently sought by many. Those with whom Mel worked figured largely in his life as he developed deep and lasting relationships that extended beyond the work environment.

Another of Mel’s great passions was that of classic cars, specifically classic Chevy’s. Mel searched long and hard for just the right car that would bring back memories of his 1955 Chevy from his youth. One afternoon on their way to enjoy a lunch out, Mel and Donna just happened to see just the right car. Granted, it needed a lot of tender loving care and would require many hours of dedicated work, but Mel knew, this was it; a 1956 Chevy Del Ray, destined for his garage. Here was exactly the car from his youth, just as rough and tough as he used to be. Driving it home, it became evident just how much time, money, and effort would be required to restore this vehicle to the dream Mel had envisioned. Countless hours of intense labor, blood, sweat, and tears the ’56 slowly evolved into the true beauty it is today. After realizing the gratification and great enjoyment that was theirs in sharing the dream come true of the ’56, Donna encouraged Mel to bid on a 1962 Chevy Impala Super Sport at an auction. Having had a ’62 Impala earlier on in their marriage, Mel readily agreed and they soon filled the garage once again. Then there were two.

For over a decade Mel and Donna enjoyed membership in the Rocky Mountain Classic Chevy Club. The common bond of a love of Classic Chevy’s brought many truly wonderful friends into Mel and Donna’s lives. From as far as Moab, Utah, to as near as Rosie’s Diner and countless stops in between the RMCCC friends shared with others their dedication, commitment, and joy in their dream cars. Young and old alike flocked to see the labor of love evidenced in this restored Chevy’s. From leaky radiator hoses to all manner of failed engine parts, Mel, Donna, and all their friends stood by one another and their cars. Whatever it took to reach their destination, all the friends contributed to ensure that every vehicle arrived and every member enjoyed the journey. Packing folding chairs, picnic baskets, and spare parts heads would turn as the convoy of Classic Chevy’s toured the west. Just as important as the love they all harbored for their cars, was the deep love that developed amongst all the friends. Their lives became so entertwined that they became an integral part of every aspect of one another’s lives.

Mel had many great loves in his life. He was blessed in his best friend and wife of 44 years, Donna, his children Wendy and Todd, his grandchildren Jennifer, Derek, Savannah, and Angela, his mother Lorraine and dad Mel, brothers Robert and Tom, all of his other wonderful and loving family, his cars, the Boy Scouts, work, and all of his incredible friends who meant so much to him. He enriched every life he touched, always giving selflessly. Mel leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships, love, and cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will dearly remember Mr. Mellis Raymond Dyson Jr.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, Denver, CO.