Melvin Myers

Melvin Lewis Myers Jr., 84, of Boulder passed away on January 11, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family. Melvin was born on February 15, 1930 in Oak Creek, Colorado to Melvin Sr. and Clara (Steele) Myers. He spent most of his childhood in Oak Creek but spent a few years living in Kingman, AZ; California; and Bremerton, WA where his mother and father worked during WWII. He finished high school back in Oak Creek. Mel served in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict. He was stationed in various bases in the U.S. but his most memorable was Umiat, AK, located on the Northern Slope just south of Prudhoe Bay. According to Mel, it was so far north that you had to look south to see the northern lights! He was recognized for innovations in marking the runway during the winter months as well as improving methods for obtaining water for the barracks.

Melvin Jr. and Myrle Ann Cantril were married on June 21, 1959 in Kremmling, CO. He returned to the University of Colorado and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering in 1963. The Myers then lived one year in Steamboat Springs, CO where Mel worked for the Colorado Highway Department and Myrle worked at Kinney Drug. They moved to Valdez, AK six weeks after the Good Friday earthquake of 1964. Melvin was employed by the State of Alaska Highway Department in both Valdez and Anchorage. He was instrumental in the design of the C Street bypass in Anchorage. All three of their children were born in Anchorage. The family moved back to Boulder so that Mel and Myrle could attend graduate school. Mel later worked for the U.S. Dept. of Commerce in the Economic Development Agency in Denver, overseeing federally funded small infrastructure projects designed to enhance growth in many small towns and cities in the western part of the U.S. His favorite project was the development of the Mammoth Hot Springs archeological dig in South Dakota. He retired in 1995.

Mel enjoyed traveling. A favorite destination was Anchorage, AK to visit friends and spend time with them at their cabin on Lake Susitna. In addition, he enjoyed cruising the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers on the Delta Queen steamboat with two other couples who were childhood friends. The Myers also took river cruises on the Danube and Rhine Rivers in Europe as well as in Russia. He also looked forward to family gatherings and picnics.

Melvin is survived by his wife; children, Edward Allen Myers (Julie) of Boulder, Brian Ross Myers (Sue) of Broomfield, and Melanie Sue Walter (Brad) of Lafayette; brother, Orin M. Myers (Nancy) of Citrus Heights, CA; and grandchildren, Adam Reichenbach, Derek Myers, Holly Myers, Kelly Myers, Renee Myers and Chase Walter. There will be a picnic in Oak Creek, CO this summer to honor Melvin’s life.