Melvin "Mel" Ernest Poad, born in Butte, Mt and a longtime resident of Spokane passed away July 27th. Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Pearl Poad, Lori, his daughter, and Madison Hilts, his granddaughter. Mel is survived by Frances "Fran", his wife of 63 years; son, Mark (wife Patty); daughters Kim Connors (husband Bill), Melissa Hilts (husband Mike), Jennifer Holm (husband Sean); granddaughters: Alisha Connors, Haley Connors, Mackenzie Hilts Moxness (husband Michael), Emily Hilts, Amelia Poad, Ainsley Holm and Sophie Holm; grandsons: Liam Connors, Connor Hilts, and Cameron Poad. He is also survived by his sister Luana Mickelson (husband Lenny) with whom he remained close throughout his life.

Mel graduated from Butte High School in 1954 and then spent 2 years in the Navy.  After the Navy, he attended Montana Tech, where he graduated with a BS in Geological Engineering. He married Fran in 1962, and they spent a few years in Hardin, Helena, and Drummond Montana, before taking a job in Spokane with the Bureau of Mines. Mel spent his career at the Bureau working to increase the safety of underground mining.

Mel grew up playing hockey and later developed a passion for working out. He spent a couple of decades as a member of the Spokane Club. When the kids were young, he started snow skiing as an activity with the family and continued to ski into his 70s.

When the kids were still at home, more often than not, Mel and Fran would take an evening walk to Baskin and Robbins where at least one daughter was working. This went on for about 15 years. World class chocolate was his favorite flavor.

He loved the water and enjoyed being at the lake with his family, including Granite Point at Loon Lake when his kids were young, and later at Priest Lake with his children, their spouses, and all ten grandkids.

Mel enjoyed having his kids and their friends at the house. It was guaranteed that an over-buttered bowl of popcorn would appear any time a group was around. He was an easy going and quiet man that valued his family. Mel will be greatly missed and will forever be in our hearts and memories.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Thomas Moore on August 22, 2025, at 11:00 am.  A reception will follow in Parish Hall also at the church.