Melven James Gilpen was born in Indianapolis, IN, on December 15,1919. He passed away peacefully, with his daughter at his side, on March 31, 2012.Mel lived a full life, with a sense of adventure, a love of travel, the belief that there is a solution for every problem, and a wonderful sense of humor.
Melven graduated from Ball State Teacher’s College in Muncie, IN, earning his tuition by driving an ambulance on the night shift. He joined the Navy in 1942, and spent most of World War II in the Pacific, as a captain on an LST (the 610). He met his wife, Elsie Bume, in Shanghai, China, and they married there in 1947. After leaving the Navy in 1946, Mel worked for the United Nations in Shanghai. In 1949, Mel and Elsie settled in San Francisco, CA, where Mel sold encyclopedias door-to-door and attended graduate school at UC Berkeley. He next worked for the George S. May Co., Calvin and Co., and finally as a self-employed business consultant.
As a young man, Mel was an avid tennis player and played on his college team. He was also known to pick a tune on his banjo. Mel took his family on many car trips, always looking for the interesting side road. He especially liked going to the National Parks in the West and the Southwest. Mel and Elsie enjoyed living in California very much, and eventually his sister, Virginia Swift, his brother, Frank Gilpen, and his mother, Virginia Gilpen Fisher, all moved to California as well. In the early 80′s, Mel and Elsie moved to Sausalito, CA, and when Elsie died in 1993, Mel moved to Fairfax, CA. He came to Seattle in the early 2000′s to be nearer to his daughter, and it was wonderful having him close by and able to be a part of all of the family events. He will be sorely missed.
Mel loved life, and even his hospice team said they had never seen a patient with such a will to partake in life, regardless of the pain. Hopefully his spirit is on a great adventure.
He is survived by his daughter, Leslie Bateman (Peter), his grandson, Matthew Bateman, his brother, Frank Gilpen, two nieces and two nephews and their families. Services will be held this summer in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Messages
Your Dad made me smile. He had a warm eyes and a loving smile. I always enjoyed the times we had dinner and talking over the plight of education in america. Thank you for sharing him with us. This obituary was lovely.
Minneapolis MN
You father was a most interesting individual. We wish we had known him better but we do know that he has passed his finest characteristics on to you. We pray for peace for you and your family during this season of grieving. Mel is not forgotten, but lives on in your hearts.
Leslie,
This is a lovely obituary and tribute to your father. He led an interesting and full life and was blessed to have a loving and caring daughter.
May your faith and your memories of Mel bring you peace and comfort in the times ahead.
Ron
Leavenworth, KS
Uncle Mel was an interesting character thats for sure. He will be missed. Love to everyone.
Burlington, VT
Leslie, we send our sincere condolences and thoughts of loving support. It was a pleasure to read your tribute to him, and it clear that he led a rich, interesting and fulfilling life.
Seattle, Washington
Although I never knew your father, I can imagine what a great fellow he was. What an interesting and full life he led. As has already been said, he had many wonderful qualities of which were passed to you. My heart goes out to you, Matt and Peter. So glad you were able to be by his side. Thinking of you.
Atlanta, GA.
I am sorry I never met your father, but after reading his obituary, I realize I met many aspects of him that he gave to you. Now I know where your adventure for life came from. I wish you, Peter and Matthew peace at this difficult time. May you take comfort knowing you made your father so happy.
Cedarburg WI
I was always so uplifted by Mel’s easy going sense of humor, it was always lots of fun to be around him. The way he told the story about the when the four little men in, I believe Shanghi, lifted his Jeep out of a parking space and carried it off is a sterling memory I will always replay when I need a laugh. Thank you Mel, you are already greatly missed. Paul
Aurora, CO
Lovely tribute. You were blessd to have close, loving relationships with both of your parents (an advantage of being an only child!) They did good in raising you to be who you are today. As their memories and guidance continue in your heart, your focus now shifts to the other loves of your life, Peter, Matthew and all of the fiends who hold you so dear, like I do.
Roseville, CA
My condolences to you & your family Leslie.
Lake Forest Park
Leslie and family,
Mel was a joy and I miss our visits. His sense of humour and spontanous, enjoyable side comments are missed. He is special.
Margaret, GHC hospice
san diego ca
I loved reading the tribute to your dad and enjoyed meeting him at drew wedding and the smile on his face as frank his brother sat next to each other at the reception i know they both enjoyed that You are in my thoughts.
San Rafael, CA
Mel was a good friend and a very bright co-worker for many, many years. We met in 1957 when he joined our management consulting group until his move to Seattle. Mel, Elise and Leslie spent countless Sunday dinners with us, which I remember fondly. Mel was special and now there is another shinning star in the heavens.
Seattle, WA
Thank you all for your wonderful comments about Dad. I really appreciate them.
Lake havasu City, AZ
Mel was a great shipmate both aboard the USS LST 610 and at our reunions. We wil miss him. Fair winds and smooth sailing.