Melvin Edward Updegrave

Melvin Edward Updegrave, 79, longtime Moses Lake resident and business owner, passed away Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, at his home in Moses Lake, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle against cancer.

Mel recently accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and is now rejoicing with his Heavenly Father. Although family and friends will miss him, we can celebrate that he is with God.

Mel was born in Sandy, Ore., on March 4, 1929, the fourth child born to Charles and Viola Updegrave. He graduated from Sandy High School where he was an accomplished athlete, particularly excelling in baseball.

Following high school Mel married Phyllis Hewitt and two daughters were born, Cheryl in 1952 and Melea in 1954. All knew him to be a rugged logger in the woods he loved so much.

Later, Mel moved his family to Corvallis, Ore., and attended Oregon State University studying in the engineering program.

In 1964, Mel had an opportunity to join his brother, Arlie, in the irrigation business in Moses Lake and became a partner in Lad Irrigation Company. After nine years, Mel left to form an independent irrigation company, Irrigators Inc., Moses Lake. Mel was a pioneer in the early years of the Columbia Basin Reclamation Project and was highly respected for his ingenuity and hard work. He was always willing to tackle difficult projects and he especially enjoyed developing new ground.

In April of 1981, Mel was married to Clara Albert, and has been her devoted partner for the last 27 years.

He is survived by his spouse, Clara, his two daughters, Cheryl Sturdefant, of Edmonds, Wash., and Melea Johnson, Moses Lake, two stepdaughters, Rebecca Sexton, Sacramento, Calif., and Janet Minnick, Ridgecrest, Calif., and one stepson, David Albert, Moses Lake. He has one surviving brother, Arlie Updegrave, Moses Lake and one surviving sister, Rita Hewitt, Gresham, Ore. Mel has 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Viola Updegrave and by his brother, Clifford Updegrave, Eugene, Ore., and by his sister, Leona Dayton, Gresham, Ore.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20 at Lake City Foursquare Church, located at 333 North Central Drive, Moses Lake, 509-765-1010 with Pastor Dave Chandler officiating. A special viewing day for anyone who wishes to spend individual time will take place at Kayser’s Chapel of Memories on Tuesday, Aug. 19 anytime from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake. You may view Mel’s video tribute, sign the guest book or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. If desired (in lieu of flowers), donations on Mel’s behalf can be made to the Moses Lake Christian Academy, 1475 E. Nelson Rd., Moses Lake, WA 98837.