Melvin F. McBeath, age 83, died on February 13, 2021. Mel was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada to Delvoir and Tom McBeath on August 4, 1937.
Mel attended elementary school in Winnipeg, Manitoba and graduated from Western Canada High School in Calgary. He attended Olds School of Agriculture for two years before immigrating to the United States and attending Montana State University. During the summers, he worked for the Montana State Water Conservation Board as a water resource specialist. He continued this employment until he retired in 1993 after 30 years. He married Phyllis Schimpf of Helena in 1963 and they had their daughter, Marni two years later.
After retirement, he and Phyllis volunteered for Habitat for Humanity for many years. They enjoyed motorhome trips, cruises to Alaska, one to the Mexican Riviera and two through the Panama Canal. They also took many trips with the grandchildren and made annual springtime trips to Mexico.
Mel is survived by his wife Phyllis; daughter Marni (Bill) Bentley; grandchildren Zachary (Ashlee) Bentley, Conrad (April) Bentley and Alexis (Hunter) VanDonsel; great-grandchildren Cole, Charlee, Colton and Lane Bentley; brother Douglas (Lynne) of Victoria, B.C; a sister Doreen Abbot of Winnipeg, Manitoba; and a sister-in-law Marjorie McBeath of Dallas, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Robert of Texas and three infant children.
At Mel’s request, no service will be held. Cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Mel.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Robert Skorupa says
I was blessed to have know Mel and his family for a few years in the mid 80’s. I thoroughly enjoyed time spent gathering wood or just hanging out playing Phase 10. He was the true definition of a “Gentle man”. Sincere heartfelt condolences to his family. Keep the memories close to your heart.
Dorothy Farrell says
We moved to Clancy 53 years ago and Mel & Phylis were our neighbors up the road. It has been a pleasure to know him all these years. Mel always had a smile. Wishing the family many happy memories. From The Farrell family.
Cindy Forgey says
My sympathy to the family. I worked with Mel at the DNRC. He was a great guy. Funny how I was just thinking about him the other day and was saddened to see he had passed. I will keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan March says
Sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. I remember his great sense of humor and welcoming smile. Phyllis and Marni, you are in our thoughts and prayer.
Phylis Shanahan says
Phyllis , I’m so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you and your family
Karole Lee says
Mel and Phyllis were my neighbors for many years up Lump Gulch in Clancy. Mel became my “snowplow guy” and he was always there to plow me out, even in 20-degree below weather! Mel had a wonderful sense of humor and always had a smile. He will be missed.
Sharon Grace says
Dear Phyllis, Marni and family, Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Please take care.
Merlyn and Linda Huso says
I worked with Mel during a couple years while assisting at Habitat for Humanity, then, later, we danced at Mel & Phyllis’s dance classes in Helena. We enjoyed the participation with them. Sadly, our paths didn’t cross during the last few years, but always held Mel in high regard when participating with him on projects. Similarly, he did cross my mind in the last few days wondering how he was doing . We will miss him.
Paul & Bobbi Foran says
Mel was such a great guy., always helping out when needed and never wanting anything in return. A great smile and A great neighbor to my mom. He will be sorely missed. The world is a little less bright without him. He is in a better place now.
Thinking of you, Phyllis and family.
richard miltenberger says
We moved to Lump Gulch in 2000, and met Mel and Phyllis almost right away. Mel was a wonderful person and I always enjoyed our chats. His quiet contributions to the community through Habitat helped many struggling families to gain home ownership and dignity. He will be missed. Our condolences to the family.
Ann Kuntzweiler says
I will always remember the many kindnesses that Mel and Phyllis have shown me while being neighbors up Lump Gulch. I first met them many years ago when they were my ballroom dance instructors. They were a dream to watch dancing together. Their skill at dancing was probably only surpassed by their ability to use chain saws. In the amount of time it took most people to talk about cutting up a tree they would have the job done. Mel’s sense humor and neighborly kindness will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers to Phyllis, Marni and family. I hold you all in my heart.
ron shields says
Many good times with a fellow hydrographer . Ron Shields USGS
Larry and Bev Roberts says
Phyllis and family: Bev and I are sadden to hear of Mel’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. How fast the years has zipped by, as I will always remember when I first met Mel while we were attending Montana State College. Please accept our condolence.
Kim McBeath says
Marni and Phyllis, so sorry to hear of your loss.