Gary D. Melen

Greenfield, Massachusetts
Gary David Melen, former owner of Negus & Taylor Monument Company, died August 30, 2015 following a difficult but valiant 15 month battle with glioblastoma brain cancer.  He was 63 years old.
Gary was born in Rutland VT on September 18, 1951 to C. Hugo Melen Jr. and Beatrice Collins. He grew up in Proctor, VT and had wonderful memories of his childhood on Beaver Pond Road, swimming, fishing, and boating in the summers and skating, ice-fishing and snowmobiling in the winters. He especially loved the outdoor adventures he shared with his oldest and dearest friend David Austin
Gary met the love of his life Nancy Cannon in 1972, and they were married in 1974. Gary was a devoted father to Nancy’s two children, Stephen D. Eddy Jr. and Lauren (Eddy) Oberg.  In 1986 Gary and Nancy bought the Negus & Taylor monument company in Greenfield, MA, which they operated together until January 2015.  He was truly gratified when he could help his customers tell the story of their loved ones in stone.  During his 29 years as owner of Negus & Taylor there were many occasions where he supported his customers and the community at large as a benefactor when called upon. Gary got his start in the monument business with the help of his grandfather C. Hugo Melen Sr., who came out of retirement at age 76 to teach Gary the cemetery lettering business.  Gary held the deepest respect and admiration for his grandfather, who was both a hero and a mentor to him.
Gary had gusto for life and a big personality.  He loved to cook for and socialize with his many friends and family.  He was a player of games and always competitive, whether it was business, poker, darts or pool. He played in the Franklin County Pool League and helped his team win the championship in 1993 and second place in 1996 and 2004, when he was Captain of the team.  He liked to gamble and wasn’t afraid to take a chance, but he knew when to cut his losses and he always planned ahead to take care of his beloved Nancy. Gary was opinionated and quick to give advice, but he also knew when to listen and was even known to change his mind when presented with a good argument.  Gary didn’t suffer fools gladly, but he had a big heart and compassion for those going through a hard time.  He could be stern and forceful, but he was also sentimental, loving and affectionate.  He loved animals and was fascinated by the crows that he liked to feed in his back yard. Gary, we love you and you will be dearly missed.
Gary is survived by his wife Nancy Melen of Greenfield, MA; children Stephen D. Eddy Jr. of Trenton, Maine and Lauren Eddy Oberg of Rutland, VT; daughter-in-law Nancy Feid Eddy and son-in-law Chris Oberg; grand-children Emily and Christopher Oberg, Luke Hartson, and Amaya Eddy; brother Bill Melen of North Carolina, sisters Beth Austin and husband Tom of Rutland, Barbara Davis of Florida, Sharon Anderson Frappier of Castleton, VT, and Christine Anderson Oberfeldt of South Carolina; his sister-in-law Theresa Anderson of Proctor and beloved aunt Patricia Melen of Ft. Wayne, IN and many nieces and nephews, in particular his nephew Eric Austin, who worked with him for many years at Negus & Taylor and who is still employed there carrying on the family tradition as a 4th generation stone cutter. He also leaves behind his precious feline companions, Zeke and Sadie.
Gary was pre-deceased by his father in 1971; his mother in 2012; his step-father Paul G. Anderson in 2015; and his brother Paul “Gordie” Anderson Jr. in 2008.  Gary was honored to give away in marriage Gordie’s daughter, Brielle Anderson Kriegstein, in 2011.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at the VFW on 21 Wales St, Rutland VT, Sept. 26, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:30 PM, with a remembrance at 2:30.  In addition to Gary’s family his many friends are all invited to visit, eat and tell stories in his memory.  Internment will be a private ceremony at some future date.
For those who wish, Gary’s family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway St., Suite 2, Greenfield, MA 01301.

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