Melvin O. Haavind

HAAVIND, Melvin O.
of Kalamazoo Mel passed away Thursday afternoon, July 21, 2011 at Tendercare of Portage. He was born September 26, 1926 in Hastings, the son of Otto and Florence Escott Haavind. After graduating from Hastings High School, he spent a summer at Interlochen Music Camp. Mel was a Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy serving during World War II at Long Beach Naval Hospital in California and also sang in the navy band. He was a graduate of Western Michigan College. Mel was the male singer with the Bobby Davidson Orchestra where he met the female singer, June Lynn. They were united in marriage on February 1, 1949. He worked as an announcer for WKZO radio before spending most of his career with WKZO Channel 3 as the Film Director for over 35 years. Mel was a sailor and enjoyed many summers at his cottage with his family. He was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, where he served as an usher for many years. Surviving are his wife, June Haavind; their two children, Mark Haavind and Susan Ambs both of Kalamazoo and two grandchildren, Jackson and Shannon Ambs; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents and sister, Maurene Erickson. Services for Mel will be at 11:00 AM on Monday at St. Luke's Episcopal Church Chapel, 247 W. Lovell Street, with Rev. Fr. David Brower officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park.