Mel Woodard — Husband, Father, Papa, G-Pa — passed away Sunday August 5th, 2018 at the age of 86. He was surrounded by his family in Arcata in the home he built in 1964

Mel was born in Ducheane, Utah on April 24, 1932 to LaVon and Maggie Woodard. When he was 8 they moved to Little Valley, Calif., then to John Day, Ore., finally settling in Arcata. Mel went to Arcata High, where he excelled in all sports. He met the love of his life, Mary Cole, there — they were married on December 26th 1954, happily for 32 years before Mary’s passing in 1986.

Mel led a very interesting and colorful life, from working in the Dolly Varden Mill every summer (he lied about his age, they thought he was in college), to serving our country in the Korean War, to moving to Willow Creek in 1978 after 40 years in the lumber business. He loved the warm weather and tending to his fruit trees and tomatoes. He always had a huge vegetable garden. And a fridge always full of pop.

Mel is survived by his beautiful only child Kari and son-in-law Norman Harpin. He has three granddaughters: Kaylie Harpin of Euerka, Kelsie (his Bear) and Curtis Hinds of Arcata, Karlie (taz) Harpin of Blue Lake. He has two great-grandchildren: Kaydence (little Bear) and Daltynn Hinds of Arcata. He was so very proud of his grandkids. He was also so tickled that we finally got a boy in the family. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Dr. Charles Martial of Santa Rosa, nephews Chip Martzall of Santa Rosa and Wade Martzall of New York, niece Nicole Martzall kids Jamie and Robert of Tracy. And his adopted grandson, friend and neighbor Mike Avelar of Willow Creek.

Mel is predeceased by his parents, his loving wife, inlaws and favorite aunt Leola Bear Millis, sister-in-law Donna Martzall, Ann Smidt.

Honoring Mel’s wishes/demands, services will not be held. The family would like to thank the VA, Hospice and Dr Bruce Kessler for putting up with him all of these years, and taking such amazing care of him.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Mel Woodard’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.