Melvin Clyde Schmuck
April 22, 1923 – May 12, 2016
Melvin Clyde Schmuck passed May 12, 2016, at the age of 93. He was born to John A. Schmuck and Calla Scheib Schmuck April 22, 1923, at the Hallman homestead in Pearson, Washington. He grew up a couple of miles away after living briefly in Kingston and Poulsbo before the family settled back in Pearson after his father’s passing in 1934.
He graduated North Kitsap Union High School in 1941. He started an apprenticeship at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in 1942, and then married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie A. Hubbell, on June 12, 1943. They started building their home in Pearson shortly before their marriage and eventually raised their four children Micheal, Patricia, Rodger and David in that home.
Mel enlisted in the Navy in August 1943 and served aboard the USS Missouri as a radioman. He was aboard at the signing of the surrender in Tokyo Bay September 1945. He worked vigorously on the committee to keep the USS Missouri here in Bremerton.
Mel served 12 years as a member of the North Kitsap School Board from 1962 to 1974, four years as president. Mel and Margie joined the Poulsbo Yacht Club in 1975 and spent many years cruising all of Puget Sound and well north into Canada after his retirement from PSNS in 1978. Mel was a proficient and skilled navigator, winning numerous Predicted Log races over the years, including the Stinson Trophy race, twice!
Mel was a kind, generous and caring man. A skilled mechanic, carpenter, navigator, caregiver, mentor, friend and neighbor. A devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-granddad. He rarely asked for anything for himself, but was always ready to lend a hand.
Mel lost he precious Margie in 2005 after 62 years of marriage. Later, he lost his companion, Gloria Hughes, in 2010, and a son, David, in 2014. He was also pre-deceased by his parents and brothers, Phillip and Lester. He is survived by his sons Micheal and Rodger (Laure); daughter Patty (Tom); all living nearby; grandchildren, Jerry and Glenda, Andrea (Jimmy) and Kylie, Kris, Erik (Alison), Jon (Michele), Charlie (Brenda); great-grandchildren Cody, Anne, Kaitlyn and Scott, Tayana, Jeremy, Vivian, Roger, Donald, Mathew and Isabel. He is also survived by his sister Betty; nieces, Denise, Carol, Valerie, and Louise; nephews, Darrell, Russell, Raymond; and numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
We all have fond memories of our dad and granddad. He lived a long and wonderful life. We appreciate his loving care and strong example of a life well lived.
Mel and Margie’s ashes will be scattered together on Puget Sound at their request. A memorial service will be from 2-5 p.m. July 17 at the Poulsbo Yacht Club. Memorial donations may be made to the Poulsbo Historical Society or a charity of your choice. Bye for now, Dad.
