Joseph "Lew" Melanson

COLUMBIA – Joseph Lewis “Lew” Melanson, 80, of Columbia, passed away at the Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital in Colebrook on Saturday evening, March 7, 2015, the 21st wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Gerda, who was at his side. He was born on Oct. 17, 1934, in New Bedford, Mass., one of 13 children to the late Peter and Emiline (Marcotte) Melanson. He attended schools in Massachusetts and later served with honor in the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, Lew worked for the State of Massachusetts highway department for 25 years as a bridge carpenter. Not one to ever sit still, he had most recently worked at the rest area in Colebrook as a greeter. On March 7, 1994, Lew married the love of his life, Gerda, whom he lovingly referred to as his “German bride,” at the top of the Balsams/Wilderness ski slopes where they had met and fallen in love. They moved to NH permanently in 1997 and made their home in Bungy. Lew enjoyed being outside, working in his woods and was always up for any project that involved hammers, power tools, or a chainsaw. He loved to mow his lawn which he made sure looked like a carpet of green. Always wanting to be busy, he volunteered for many organizations, including Kiwanis and the Colebrook Ski-Bees. He loved meeting new people and learning new things. Lew loved reading history books, surfing the web on his computer, and telling and hearing stories. He was quick to laugh and was always ready to share his wisdom with anyone who was looking for it. He was usually right, much to the consternation of some. He would often say, “You do what you want, but….” And you were usually sorry if you didn’t listen to that “but…” He was tenacious, hard-working, and although he battled illness the last few years of his life, he never once complained. He died as he lived, setting an example that love, strong character, and an even stronger faith can see you through anything. Lew always said, “Love is the most important thing.” He was a communicant of St. Brendan’s Church and a faithful, loyal servant of the Lord. He made sure to say grace each and every night before dinner and taught his friends to do the same. Lew is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Gerda (Möest) Melanson of Columbia; a son, Scott Melanson and wife Mary of Wareham, Mass.; two step-sons, Siggi Ahrens and wife Karen of Florida, and Ingo Ahrens and wife Karen of Colebrook; four brothers; six sisters; three grandchildren; his next door neighbors and dear friends who he considered family, Scott and Coralie Stepanian; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by two daughters, Kelly, as a teenager, and Nicole; and two brothers. At Lew’s specific request, there are no public services. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Lew may be made to the North Country Community Recreation Center, 33 Rec Center Rd., Colebrook, NH 03576 Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements in NH are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Joseph "Lew" Melanson

October 17, 1934 - March 7, 2015