Melvin Leon Snow Jr., also known as Mel, Ralph, or Boo, passed away on April 1, 2024, in Eureka after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was born on August 19, 1964, in Crescent City, California the year of the largest flood in recorded history in Northern California, where he grew up and raised his family.

Melvin was a versatile individual who excelled in various fields throughout his life. He worked in different jobs such as at the Fisheries in Eureka, Eureka City Schools as a janitor, mechanic, non-emergency medical transport, In-Home Supportive Services, RV repair at Santa Rosa RV, and as the Head of Janitorial for Safeway. He also had a passion for odd jobs like lawn care and working in the legal cannabis industry.

In his free time, Melvin enjoyed repairing and customizing VW bugs, being a motorcycle enthusiast, woodworking, cultivating plants, and traveling. He was often seen smoking a joint and fixing something or building in his later years. He truly was a Jack of all trades with a knack for fixing things.

Melvin was a caring and selfless individual who was always willing to lend a helping hand to his friends and family. He was known for his heroic acts, such as running into a burning building at the age of 19 to save people during a house fire. Melvin took on the role of caregiver for many, including his younger sisters, his two daughters, and his two adopted sons.

Melvin often called himself a “Gypsy”. He preferred to live in a home with wheels whether it was a converted bus or van, 5th wheel, or RV he loved to travel and be on the go. Melvin made friends no matter where he went often by offering a helping hand. His favorite place to go was Mount Rushmore and Stergis.

He is survived by his sisters, Maggie Sylvies and Cecil Sylvies, his daughters Vera Greenwood and Carolyn Snow, his grandchildren Alison, Athena, Martine, and Dylan, many nieces and nephews, as well as his roommate and close friend Angelique Humbird. Melvin was preceded in death by his mother, Caroline Sylvies, his sons Ian and Deric, and his companion dog and best friend, Kasha.

At Melvin’s request, no servuices will be held. He will be remembered for his kind and generous spirit, his love for adventure, and his willingness to help others in need. May he rest in peace.

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Melvin Leon “Mel, Ralph, Boo” Snow Jr. took his first breath on August 19, 1964 and due to an unforgiving battle to cancer took his last breath on April 1, 2024.

Melvin grew up in Humboldt County, attended Eureka City Schools and graduated from Zoe Barnum. He held many jobs since he was 18. His first job was working in maintenance for the Eureka Housing Authority. No matter what job he had he always made time to work on his motorcycles and cars. His motorcycles were the loves of his life, especially when he had his Harley.

He was a survivor of the Humboldt County 1964 flood. He was just a baby but he was a tough li’l guy. He was an unknown hero at just the age of 19. When the apartment complex his family lived in went up in flames he rushed into the fire, went to an upstairs apartment and saved an elderly lady and her son. He almost lost his own life but that was just the kind of person Mel was, always helping where help was needed and did it whole heartedly and expected nothing in return.

He became a father and he enjoyed watching his daughters grow up. Once they were grown he became a rolling stone and he traveled. He never liked to be in one place too long. He had been all over the U.S. he always seem to find his way back to Humboldt though.

Melvin had a great fur companion, Kasha. They were inseparable. When Kasha passed on he remained faithful to her. He never got another dog after her.

The past two years were his most roughest. Life got hard physically and finally last year the doctors found out why, they detected a cancer in his blood. After a year of fighting to add a little more time to his life, he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Melvin is preceded in death by his mother, Caroline Sylvies, his son Ian,his Aunt Nancy Simmons and his beloved fur companion Kasha.

Melvin is survived by his daughter Vera Greenwood (Michael) and Carolyn Snow. His grandchildren Martine, Allison and Athena. His sisters Cecil Sylvies and Maggie Sylvies (Alejandro), his nieces and nephews Angelica, Aureli, Alejandro Jr., Natalia,  James, Fire, his great nephew Marcelo and his special friend Angelique.

Upon Melvin’s request there will be no services. He wanted to be cremated and have his ashes spread in a place held special to him, the beach. His arrangements for cremation were handles by Ayers Funeral Services.

The family would like to say a special thank you to all the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital for everything they done to make Melvin comfortable as possible in his last days.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Melvin Snow’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.