Laconia----Melvin J. MacMillan, 100, of Laconia, NH, passed on, peacefully,
Sunday afternoon, July 25, 2010 with family by his side. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and faithful friend.
Melvin (Mel or Mac as he was called), was born in Stoneham, MA on
October 8, 1909. He was the last living member of the five MacMillan children;
Arthur, Melvin, Julia, Margaret and Mary in descending order of age.
During his high school days, he worked at a local golf course and once caddied for the famous Babe Ruth and Francis Wilmette. During the summer of his youth, Melvin had the opportunity to work for the Cog Railway on Mount Washington.
In 1930, he became employed by Nopco Chemical Company in Harrison, NJ where he worked until WWII broke out. Melvin then left his job to join the Navy. Taking an interest in malaria control, he was stationed in the Philippines where he helped keep the troops from becoming sick. He discovered at least 4 new varieties of mosquitoes which now bear his name in the insect world. During this time, Melvin was exposed to the
harmful UV rays of the sun which plagued him later for many years. He survived over 100 skin cancer operations including total nose reconstruction.
After the war, Melvin resumed civilian life. He married his beloved bride, Evelyn, and together they raised their family, living happily in Cranford, NJ for many years. Mel went back to work as a chemist for Nopco. During his years there, he developed new ways of assaying the nutritional value of various chicken feeds and created numerous animal
vitamin formulas to promote healthier livestock. He acquired multiple patents for his research and as a result, was published in Merc's Manual. He was employed at this same job for 41 years until age 68. Mel's work didn't stop with retirement. During this period, he created and developed a liquid pet vitamin called, "VitaMac". In
1986, Mel and Evelyn decided to sell their house and move to Laconia
to be closer to family.
Melvin led a very active and full life. He served as a devoted member and elder of both the First Presbyterian Church in Cranford and the Congregational Church in Laconia. Together, he and Evelyn traveled extensively to many near and far off lands. He enjoyed frequent gatherings and visits with family and friends. Until last fall, Mel
rode his exercise bike daily. One of his favorite activities was playing golf. Whenever possible, he ventured out on the links. During his last golf outing in August, 2009, Mel sunk a 60 foot putt, with the flag still in the hole. Turning to his son, Jim, he said, "And that's how it's done."
Last October, Melvin was surprised and honored by family and friends who gathered for his 100th birthday celebration at Taylor Community. A month later, on Veteran's Day in Meredith, he was also publicly recognized for his military service during WWII.
After almost 59 years of marriage, Mel is survived by the love of his life, Evelyn; his sons, Pete and Jim; daughters-in-law, Marge and Sheri MacMillan; grandchildren, Shannon, Brian, Amy Canfield, Heather, and Sarah; grandson-in-law, Tom Canfield and great-grandchildren, Ben, Josh and Jessika Canfield.
There will be no calling hours.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, August 2, 2010 at 11:00AM at the Laconia Congregational Church, 69 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. Rev. Dr. Warren Bouton, Pastor of the Church, will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a Food Pantry of your choice or to the New Hampshire Humane Society, PO Box 572, Laconia, N. H. 03247
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N. H. is in charge of the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.