Harold “Sonny” Lloyd Melvin (1930-2011)

STRONG – Harold “Sonny” Lloyd Melvin stepped peacefully into the great beyond on Feb. 19, 2011.

He was born in Farmington, Maine, on March 10, 1930, to Leland Maxwell and Rose Augusta (Parker) Melvin. Harold grew up in Farmington, and New Vineyard with his three siblings. He graduated from Farmington High School on June 15, 1948 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January of 1949.

Harold married Rena Eunice Walsh on August 21, 1954, his wife of 54 years. Together, they raised two children, Dave and Sheryl.

The Navy took the Melvin family all around the United States. Harold attended military training in Greenland, Alaska, Hawaii, Africa, and Newfoundland.  After serving a final six-month deployment in the Mediterranean aboard the U.S.S. Roosevelt, Harold retired in September 1970 as an aviation electronic technician first class.

Harold then worked in Jacksonville, Florida, at Pacific Ordinance and Electronics, then for the railroad.  At the request of relatives, he brought his family back to Maine in 1973. He reunited with his two sons from a previous marriage, Timothy A. Melvin, and Michael L. Melvin.  Harold went to work at Forster’s Mfg. Co. in Strong from 1973-1993.  While in their employ, he became very involved in the union, where he served as vice president and acquired the nickname “Philadelphia Lawyer.”

“Sonny” had an ear for music, and a mouth for storytelling. He would break out the harmonica and play old country tunes, accompanied by the thump of a heavy boot.  With his wry sense of humor, he would recite the likes of “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere,’ all with the twinkle of his eyes, and a turned up grin.

Harold was well versed in the healing arts.  He studied the many works of Edgar Cayce and was himself an accomplished Dowser, a lineage he passed on to his granddaughter, Amanda Leigh Coolong.  He was a lifetime member of the American Society of Dowsers and applied his gift by finding fresh water sources for local wells, clearing energy fields, and conducting distance healing.

Adoringly called “Bumpa” by his grandchildren, he loved nothing more than to shower them with affection.  He also enjoyed tending to his organic garden, tinkering on vehicles, and passing time with a good novel by Louis L’Amour.

On Easter in 1995, Harold suffered a major stroke.  His wife Rena quit her job at Forster’s to devote herself to his care for 13 years until her death in 2009.  At that time, his children Dave and Sheryl took over his care until his passing. In addition to his wife, Harold was predeceased by his son Timothy, and siblings Basil, Phyllis, and James.

His legacy lives on through his children Michael Melvin and wife Cathy, Dave Melvin, and Sheryl and husband Scott Coolong; grandchildren Amanda Leigh Coolong, Joel Scott Coolong, and Jonathan Dylan Melvin Richard.

The family will be conducting a graveside service for Harold this summer. Sonny, these country roads have finally taken you home. To inquire about the service, please contact Sheryl Melvin Coolong at 207-684-4430.