Melvin Joseph Setvin

December 31, 1924 - July 15, 2020

Melvin Joseph Setvin passed peacefully at his home on July 15th, 2020, surrounded by his family. He was ninety-five years old. Born to Joseph and Eleanor Setvin of Scappoose, Oregon, Melvin was raised there with his three older sisters Lois, Jeanne, and Maryanne. He graduated from Scappoose Union High School in 1942. In 1944 Melvin enlisted in the United States Army. He was assigned to the 10th United States Army and stationed in Okinawa Japan during World War II, where he was assigned bugle boy to Lieutenant General Simon Buckner Jr. While in Okinawa Melvin played trumpet in an Army stage band and reminisced often about his experiences playing for the troops with such an accomplished group of musicians in a wartime atmosphere. After his honorable discharge in 1946 Melvin returned to Scappoose, where he subsequently met and married Mary Eleanor Murgic in June 1948. Married seventy-two years, they raised three children together in addition to building their own home literally from the ground up. Melvin attended the University of Portland and received a Bachelor of Science degree in General Engineering in 1950. After a brief stint as a surveyor, he accepted a professorship at the University of Portland teaching in the School of Engineering. In 1956 Melvin accepted a position as a civil engineer with the US Army Corps of Engineers, North Pacific Division. He remained with the Corps until his retirement in 1986. Melvin worked on many interesting projects; most notable among his achievements included the design of the Chief Joseph and Bonneville powerhouse structures on the Columbia River, during which time he was the Head of the Structural Section of the Hydro-Electric Design Branch of the Corps. One of his last projects was the design for the sediment retention structure installed in the Toutle River Valley after the Mt. St. Helens volcano eruption. When his schedule allowed, Melvin enjoyed hiking on Mt. Hood and water skiing with family and friends. He purchased a small farm and enjoyed the role of gentleman farmer. He never lost his passion for music and could easily be distracted by the sound of a good swing band! His trumpet, almost as old as he was, stayed among his possessions to the end of his days. Upon his retirement in 1986 Melvin became a fulltime farmer. He also enjoyed riding his bicycle several miles a day. He signed up as part time caregiver when needed for his grandchildren and was even known to change a diaper or two! The family is grateful Melvin’s two oldest great grandchildren Cooper and Adi were able to know and remember “Papa”. Melvin is survived by his wife Mary, son Gary (Marcy), daughters Janean (Guy) and Jody, grandchildren Trevor, Barbara, Erynn and Ben, great grandchildren Cooper, Parker and Adi, and sisters Jeanne Shoemaker of Scappoose, Oregon and Maryanne Harth of Portland, Oregon. “Life, if well lived, is long enough.” Well lived Melvin Joseph Setvin. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.