Melvin Leslie Schrader

Mel was born in Ruff, WA, on September 12, 1928, to Dan and Bertha Schrader and passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 26, 2017. Mel grew up in Lind, WA, eventually marrying his high school sweetheart, Marialice Shimek, in 19¬¬¬¬48. During those Lind years, three children were born and Mel was the successful owner of Mel’s Chevron Service. In 1961 Mel moved his family to Spokane where he began a long career as an accountant, retiring after 32 years. He served as president of the Washington Accountant Association and was well-respected by colleagues.

Mel enjoyed a variety of interests that included reading, gardening, rock hounding, antiques and trying new gadgets. Mel’s hobbies included wood working, collecting old radios and coins. In his later years, Mel became a fan of the Zags and nightly Jeopardy. Mel and his family enjoyed many summers at Priest Lake near Outlet Bay. In addition, other traveling was enjoyed and then after Mary’s death in 1997, he enjoyed several trips with his brother.

Survivors include his daughter Julie Gay of Tigard, OR; son Paul (Monica) of Rosalia, WA; daughter Lisa (Dan) Phelps of Spokane, WA; and grandchildren Carissa, Michael, Patrick, and Daniel Gay, Emily Magney, Sanji Schrader, Hannah Webley, John and Sam Phelps; and 6 great-grandsons. Mel is also survived by sisters Norma Snead and Luella Hall; nieces, nephews and numerous friends. Mel was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years Marialice; brother Floyd; and son-in-law Charlie Gay.

Mel was a delightful man of strong integrity with a wry sense of humor, dearly-loved by his family and friends. While he will be greatly missed, his gentle, charming nature will continue to influence all those whose lives he touched.

The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude to the staff of Rockwood North at Hawthorne who loved and cared for him daily over the past six years.

Mel’s memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2017, 2:00 pm, at Hazen and Jaeger Funeral Home, ¬¬¬1306 N Monroe, Spokane, WA, followed by a simple reception at Northwood Presbyterian Church, 6621 N Monroe. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Mel’s name to KSPS Public Television, 3911 S Regal St, Spokane WA 99223, or the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131; www.parkinson.org.