Melvin C. Beede

He was born in Decatur County, Iowa on October 10, 1945, to Ralph and Mildred Beede. Mel spent his early years living on a farm in Kellerton, Iowa. He was extremely proud to enroll as a kindergarten student at Cornstock College. During his early school years, his family moved to Delphos, Iowa, where he attended Delphos Elementary into the 7th grade. It was at this point in his childhood that his family relocated to Berthoud, Colorado.

He went on to complete both junior high and high school in the Berthoud school system. Throughout these years Mel established many lifelong friendships and was a leader in both social and athletic circles. During his senior year he was voted the 1964 Class President. Throughout his four years in sports, he provided a great deal of entertainment and excitement for the entire Berthoud community; playing football and basketball as a Berthoud Spartan. Yes, he was the one who was hoisted up by his fellow teammates to remove the net from the rim at the sound of the buzzer signifying they had indeed won the game and were headed to the state championship playoffs. His multiple athletic achievements later earned him an induction into the Berthoud Sports Hall of Fame. He was forever a true Berthoud Spartan at heart and never failed to check their game scores in the paper each week.

Following completion of high school Mel boarded a Greyhound Bus with a single suitcase in hand bound for Wayne Nebraska. It was here that he used his scholarship and completed his Freshman year at Wayne State College. Upon completion of his Freshman year, he transferred to CSC (UNC) in Greeley, Colorado, where in 1968 he was awarded his BA in Education. During the summers of both his high school and college careers he worked for the Berthoud Parks and Recreation in multiple roles to include lifeguard and providing refreshments for the baseball park activities. He also worked as an apprentice electrician with Erickson Electric.

On August 16,1968 he married his childhood friend and sweetheart Linda L. Galbraith. The newly married couple set out for Mesa, Arizona where Mel got his first teaching job in the Mesa Public School District teaching junior high math while Linda completed her education at ASU earning her BSN. During his four years at Fremont Jr. High he served as the Department Head for the Math team and coached boys basketball. He was always so proud of his boys rather they won or lost.

Mel and Linda welcomed their first child in 1972, a son Jerry Lee. It was at this juncture they decided to return to Loveland, CO where he accepted a job working for Erickson Electric. In 1975 Mel and Linda welcomed their second child, a daughter Krista Nichol.Throughout the school age years of their children, Mel worked with various electrical companies to include not only Erickson Electric but later Skyline Electric, Fireside Lighting, and ABA Electric. Throughout his career he quickly became acquainted with his fellow coworkers and developed true friendships. He served as a trusted friend and mentor to fellow electricians and subcontractors alike that worked with him on various jobs sites. His career was spent building lifelong relationships with a multitude of contractors in the construction industry and throughout the Loveland Community. It became difficult to go out in public and not have him run into someone who knew him and wanted to have a brief chat with him.

During his leisure time, Mel enjoyed time in the mountains, camping and fishing, and visiting Lake McConaughy for various water sports. An annual highlight was always his trips to his son Jerry’s farm in MO for hunting season where he became known as a legendary hunter and for the butterscotch candy he stashed in his pocket. Club Cascadas in Cabo San Lucas, MX became an annual destination for the entire family. Mel spent 4 years along with his son Jerry involved in The Boy Scouts of America serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 183. This commitment involved monthly campouts regardless of weather conditions. Many valuable lessons were learned along the way primarily when things didn't go as planned. Mel was also heavily involved in Krista’s sports career over her 8 years of playing volleyball, basketball, tennis and running track.

Following retirement Mel and Linda spent many years traveling within the Continental US as well as abroad. One of their highlights was flying on Air Force One from Crete to Andrews Air Force Base. Mel also took up metal detecting during his retired years, finding lots of scrap metal, coins, and jewelry. Much of Mel’s retired years were also spent involved with projects on their rental properties.

Melvin is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda; his son Jerry Beede (Jenny) of Lebanon, MO, and his daughter Krista Fuhrmann (Eric) of Berthoud, CO; his three grandchildren, Justin Beede (Courtney) of Eaton, CO, Abel Fuhrmann (Aly) of Denver, CO, and Makenzie Choate (Tyler) of Pleasant Hope, MO, and his two step grandchildren Bri Landreth (Eric), Texas and Avery Ramos, Colorado. Mel had the pleasure of welcoming two great grandchildren, Hudson Choate and Aspen Landreith. He is also survived by his brother Marvin Beede (Jane) of Loveland, CO, and by countless other family members, friends, and community members that will miss him greatly.

In lieu of flowers, the family STRONGLY requests NO plants or flowers of any kind. They ask that you please consider making contributions to Tunnels to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org). Masks will be required at Melvin's services.

A Celebration of Melvin's Life will be held on what would have been his 78th birthday, Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home in Fort Collins, Colorado. Melvin will be laid to rest at Resthaven Memory Gardens following his service. Those that wish to view and say their final goodbyes may do so beginning one hour prior to the start of Melvin's celebration. Serving as pallbearers are Jerry Beede, Justin Beede, Abel Fuhrmann, Eric Fuhrmann, Tyler Choate, and Terry Gorter. Ed Popke, Jack Enyeart, Jerry Ward, Bruce Fickel, and Bill Kyger serve honorarily.

Treasured memories and words of condolence are welcome at www.resthavencolorado.com.