Melvin Sowerby, Jr.

Melvin R. Sowerby, Jr.

Hittin’ the Back 9

Mel Sowerby, our “favorite” husband, dad and grandpa, passed away in his sleep on February 28, 2016 after a long and valiant battle with cancer and heart disease. He fought the good fight, but in the end, his heart couldn't keep up with his will to live.

He was born on March 14, 1941 in Ogden, to Melvin R. Sowerby, Sr. and Melba H. Johnson. He graduated from Ogden High School and attended Weber State College and the University of Utah. He was a plant manager for Beatrice Foods and a commercial real estate broker with Woodbury Corporation.

He loved golfing, skiing, running rivers, watching football, sunsets, all types of music, trains, cars, and road trips, but most of all he loved his family.  His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he loved more than anything to get the family together for any occasion.

Mel is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandy;  his daughter, Sara (Jeff) Parson; his son, Joe (Amanda) Sowerby; and his grandchildren, Tyler, Sam and Sydney; brother, Ron (Ann) Sowerby, Stayton, OR; and sister, Melinda (Val) Williams, Centerville, UT.

He was a member of the Snow Basin volunteer ski patrol for 20 years, earning his national number in 1975. He had fond memories of skiing fresh powder and at the end of the day, racing down to the Hermitage for a beer with his buddies (last one there had to buy the beer). During the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, he was a course steward for the Downhill Races and used the opportunity to promote Utah’s beauty to skiers and officials from all over the world.

Mel was active in the community and supported many worthy causes. He became president or chair of every board or organization he was involved with, including Ogden City Arts, Downtown Ogden, Inc., American Red Cross of Northern Utah, the YCC, and the Ogden Rotary Club. He was appointed to the Utah State Building Board by Gov. John Huntsman and re-appointed by Gov. Gary Herbert. He thoroughly enjoyed his six years on that board because he felt his efforts made a difference for the entire state.

The family extends its thanks to Harold M. Johnson, MD and the staff at Utah Hematology Oncology; Gary L. Whipple, MD and the staff at McKay Dee Radiation Oncology; Jerry M. John, MD, John F. Lund, MD and the staff at McKay Dee Heart Services. These kind and caring professionals did everything they could to help Mel deal with the health issues he faced.

Mel chose to be cremated, his ashes scattered to the winds. We invite friends to visit with family on Sunday, March 13, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. and to attend a Celebration of Life on Monday, March 14 at 5:30 p.m. at The Hub801, 3525 Riverdale Road. Mel wore ties when he had to, but hated them. Open collars and casual clothes suggested.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mel’s memory to the YCC, 2261 Adams Ave, Ogden, UT 84401 or ycchope.org; or Weber State University Dream Weber Scholarship, 1265 University Dr., Dept. 4018, Ogden, UT  84408-4018 or weber.edu/giveagift; or a charity of your choice.