Howard Melrose

Howard Melrose passed away peacefully at home on January 30, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 14, 1935, to James and Gladys Melrose in rural Ogemaw County, Michigan. Growing up in the country and attending Rau Roud Country School instilled in him values and traditions that he carried throughout his life. Howard graduated from West Branch High School in 1954, where he excelled academically and enjoyed sports. He proudly served two years in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958.

On August 13, 1960, Howard married Sonja Bloomquist, and they celebrated their 65th anniversary last summer. His primary employment was with General Motors at the Flint V-8 Engine Plant, where he retired in 1992 as a Quality Control Engineer.

Throughout his life, Howard was dedicated to helping others. He often assisted with carpentry, plumbing, and electrical projects. Additionally, he supervised the construction of two Habitat for Humanity houses in Fenton. Always there for those in need, Howard provided unwavering support to anyone who was ill or struggling. His kindness, generosity, and willingness to serve defined his character.

An outdoor enthusiast, Howard enjoyed maintaining both vegetable and flower gardens at home, sharing their bounty with thousands of passersby. He played in golf leagues for many years and was an avid hunter, pursuing deer and elk in Michigan and the Colorado Rockies. In 1973, Howard helped pass regulations to stop motorized vehicles in part of the White River National Forest. In 2019, he celebrated his 50th elk hunt in the same camp he started. 

Howard was also involved in Scouts and 4-H with his son and led an Explorer Scout group at the V-8 Engine Plant that included his daughter. During the Bicentennial, in 1976, he collaborated with others to recreate an artillery unit. They designed and built the first authentic full-scale 1700s artillery cannon. Howard and family traveled to all the major battle sites and lived our nation's history. In 2015 Howard sponsored and escorted a group of World War II veterans who were honored at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.  His leadership in these activities exemplified his love of country and humanity. In 2019, Howard's story became part of the National Archives, both for his landscaping and for his environmental work.  

Howard is survived by wife, Sonja Melrose, daughter Beth Melrose, son Stewart Melrose, granddaughter Angelina Melrose, sister Phyllis Decaire, sister-in-law Diane Lundwall and a special thanks to Rob and Sue West.

A service honoring Howard will be held at a later date. Please make donations to tunnel to towers TtoT.org.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.