Melwood “Mel” Ethelbert Richie, 80, of McKinleyville, passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at his home.

Mel, also known as John by his loved ones, was born January 19, 1936 in Eureka, California. On May 19, 1953 he married the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Elaine Rosdahl.

John worked as a union carpenter in Humboldt County since 1967. He had a strong work ethic and took great pride in his work. He built and remodeled many of the structures and homes in Humboldt. He was the foreman for the Eureka/Arcata Airport, built College of the Redwoods, Humboldt State University, General Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, Southern Trinity School in Dinsmore, and many others. When driving around he would point out to places and say “I helped build that” and pass on a story about it.

In his spare time he would be in his woodshop building something for someone. He loved his woodworking projects and building memories with his family. He loved to share his experience and wanted to hopefully teach each of us the tricks of the trade. In the early years he loved taking his family camping and hunting and even taught his nephews to hunt as well. He and Elaine loved to go in their RV and travel around. They enjoyed every outing they went on.

He always had a story to tell to everyone he would meet.

John leaves behind by his two sons, Johnny Richie and his wife Cindy of Eureka; Timothy and his wife Debra of Eureka; and his daughter Terena Noel and her husband Dale of Redding; nine grandchildren – Jason, Paula, Jacquie, Nicole, Ashleigh, Kevin, Kimberly, Sabrina and Jeremy – and seven great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister, wife Elaine, daughter Rose Marie, and his son Sanford Richie. At John’s wishes there will be no memorial service. He will be missed very much but we have comfort in knowing that he is at peace with his soul mate Elaine and his son Sandy.

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The obituary above was submitted by Mel Richie’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.