Melvin Ambrose Colby, 81, passed away peacefully on December 23rd at Calloway Gardens in Kennewick, Washington. Mel left a legacy of love and an enduring model of humility, kindness and the value of the simple things in life.

Mel was born on an icy night in Plummer, Idaho in April 1928. He was the fourth of six children born to Miles and Altha Colby. During WWII Mel worked three summers with the Forest Service. Mel graduated from Harrison High School in 1945. When he turned 18, Mel joined the U.S. Navy for a 2-year hitch. In 1948, an amazing love story began that would span over 60 years.

Mel married Velda Stephens on May 14, 1949 in Richland, WA. Mel and Velda lived in Couer D'Alene through the winter of 1949 and then moved to Grandview followed by a move to the Tri-Cities in 1950. The Colby household was an active one with four children - Randy, Sandie, and twins Mike and Steve. Square dancing was a favorite shared hobby for Mel and Velda and they bought and managed the Hoe-Down Center for a number of years. They loved fishing, swimming, camping, and traveling in their motor home to Arizona, Nashville and Mel's beloved northern Idaho.

Mel worked as contract administrator for J.A. Jones at Hanford except for three years in Michigan where he worked on the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant as a superintendent for J.A. Jones from 1969 to 1972. The family returned to the Tri-Cities where Mel finished his working years until retiring in 1990. After retirement, Mel enjoyed playing guitar, writing and recording country music.

Throughout the years, Mel and Velda's love for one another was deep and affectionate. Nothing could break or weaken their love, not even the cruelty of Alzheimer's disease which struck them both and marked another path they took together.

Mel and Velda indeed shared happiness in life, through sickness and in health, and because of the hope we have through the saving grace of Jesus Christ, the celebration has really just begun.

Mel was preceded in death by his father Miles, mother Altha, sister Melba, brothers Roy and Lyle. He leaves behind his wife Velda, son Randy Colby, daughter Sandie King Joe, Mike Colby Joan; Steve Colby, grandchildren Rick, Matthew and David Colby, Sherrie Martinez, and four great-grandchildren, sisters Monie Tim Fish and Donnie Svoboda.

The family is grateful for the loving and caring staff at Callaway Gardens and Hospice.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Mel's life at 1:00 on Saturday, January 2nd at Memories at Sunset Event Center located on the beautiful grounds at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland, WA. Please join us immediately after the service for a reception also at Memories at Sunset Event Center.