Melvin Charles Swegle

On February 19, 2020, Melvin Charles Swegle crossed the river of life at Forks Community Hospital and Long Term Care. We give our thanks to the staff at Forks Community Hospital and Long Term Care, for the wonderful care he received in his last days. 

Melvin Charles Swegle was born in Sequim, WA to Charles and Bernice Swegle. He was a fun-loving man. He served his country in the Korean War as a transporter of officers. When he returned home from Korea, he worked with his father as a commercial fisherman and logger. On one of their fishing trips at Neah Bay, they lost a motor off the boat and had to spend a night tied to a rock. During Melvin's watch, he fell asleep and the boat drifted away. The man could sleep anywhere. The boat and all occupants were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. 

He married Billie Hugh Swegle, the love of his life, on February 15, 1957. Melvin and Billie were married for 56 wonderful years. They raised their children Melene, Jim, and Marion in Port Angeles and Joyce, Washington. As a family he enjoyed camping, road trips, fishing, clamming, crabbing, smelting, and hunting. He also worked at Fibreboard and Penply (K-Ply). He retired from K-Ply. 

After retirement he planned to travel in his camping trailer with his wife, Billie. Unfortunately, his wife developed a debilitating illness. He lovingly cared for her until she passed away. 

As an avid outdoorsman, Melvin loved to fish and hunt. He was also a volunteer fireman at the Joyce Fire Department. A great story, on a fishing trip with his son he once hooked a steelhead and lost it. Several hours later, he hooked and landed the same fish through the eye of his original hook. He also had an uncanny sense of direction and always came back out of the woods right where he had parked his truck. 

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Bernice, his wife Billie, and his brothers Billy and Danny. He is survived by his daughter Melene (Cary) Bourm, son Jim (Lynne) Swegle, daughter Marion (Brian) Hedin. Survivors also include six grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and numerous friends and relatives. Melvin loved to joke, tease, and laugh. He will be deeply missed by all. At his request, there will be no services. His funeral arrangements are being handled by Linde Price Funeral Service of Sequim, WA. 

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