Melvin Neil Hollister

Melvin ("Mel") was born on May 26, 1926 on a farm near Wessington, South Dakota to Ruth and Jay Hollister. He died May 6, 2013 at the Norse Home in Seattle, WA.

The youngest of 7, Mel grew up during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl years, enduring the hardships that came with those times. Mel attended Miller (SD) High School until his senior year when he moved to Washington with his parents and graduated from Snohomish High School.

In 1944, Mel enlisted in the US Air Force Cadet Program. Following his military service, he graduated from Everett Junior College. There he met his wife, Anne, whom he married in 1949. After graduation, Mel followed his love of flying and worked for West Coast Airlines. He then began his forty plus year career in the automotive business, owning a Goodyear tire store in Burien, South Seattle Tire Company (116th St. and Des Moines Memorial Drive) and serving as Regional Manager for Valvoline Oil Company as well as two other oil corporations. He fully retired at age 75.

Mel and Anne enjoyed raising 5 children: Kay Harley (Geoff,), Gayle Emmick (Craig), Gary Hollister (Kathi), Laurie Morrison, and Lisa Hirohata (Mike). They were blessed with 9 grandchildren:; Katrina Harley, Matthew and Michael Emmick, Adrienne and Garret Hollister, Jessica and Spencer Morrison, Tyler and Kevin Hirohata, and two step-grandchildren, Mandy and Grant Harley.

Mel was an active member of Luther Memorial Church for 26 years and a dedicated member and contributor to the Northwest Danish Association and the Nordic Heritage Museum. He was a 60 year member of The Danish Brotherhood and cherished his connection to the Danish community. He served as a volunteer driver for Group Health for 13 years. He was a Golden Glove boxer in the service and played tennis three times a week until he was 85.

Mel is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Anne, four brothers, and son-in-law Gary Morrison. He is survived by his 5 children, their spouses and children, and his sister Faye McNamee, and brother Dale Hollister. Mel was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed. Thank you to the Norse Home and Group Health Hospice for their care.

A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, May 25th at Luther Memorial Church, 13047 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle, WA. Remembrances may be made to Luther Memorial Church or the Northwest Danish Association. Please share your memories of Mel at www.emmickfunerals.com .

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Funeral Home of West Seattle.