Dean Mellor's Obituary
DEAN MELLOR
OH, WHAT A LIFE!
Dean Mellor, an avid golfer, played his last round on July 3, 2017. He was born on September 20, 1927 in Midland, WA. He began as a little, shy red-head boy with freckles, who used to stand on his head to get tomatoes from the local produce man. He grew into an amazing man, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, friend and all around great guy. He was known and loved by many. Everywhere he went, there was someone coming up to him and saying “hi coach” or “hey Mr. Mellor”.
As a teenager, he was known for his involvement in sports and was a key player in the still remembered 1944 Thanksgiving Day football game. It was one of Tacoma's most famous football games, before 15,000 screaming fans at Stadium Bowl. Both teams were undefeated and rated 1-2 in City league. Lincoln went on to win the game and also the mythical state championship. The lone touchdown came on a halfback option play from Al Malanca who pitched to Dean Mellor who threw to Len Kalapus for the only touchdown allowed by Stadium all season.
He went on to become a teacher and coach at Mt. Tahoma High School and then as an athletic director and assistant principal at Foss High School. He was an avid golfer and a regular at Highlands Golf Course. Most of his adult life he spent camping and hiking. Having the summer off suited him well and gave him the time to engage in his love of the outdoors. In his later years, he traveled around the United States in his R.V. and enjoyed going on cruises and of course, still playing golf.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Pat and his son Mic. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Candy Gallagher (Michael) and Nancy Mellor (Kariena), his 3 grandchildren, Andy Blades, Erin Blades and Caryn Weddle (Nathan), his 6 great-grandchildren, Bri, Natalie, Morgan, Sydney, Emerson and Isaac and his companion, Peggy Zurfluh.
His Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 15th at Highlands Golf Course in Tacoma. Celebration will be at 2:00pm and open house until 5:00pm. If you can, please wear yellow, it was his favorite color and he would love to see a room full of yellow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Tacoma Lutheran Home or Franciscan Hospice House.
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