Melford Naas was born December 1916 in Stanwood, Washington and was the middle child of Gunder and Agnes Naas. He passed away July 25, 2010 at the age of 93, having lived his entire life in Stanwood. The Naas family arrived in Stanwood in 1882 making Mel a third generation pioneer. After graduating from Stanwood High School in 1934, Mel worked for six summers in the halibut and herring fishery in Baranof Island and Prince William Sound, Alaska. During the "off Season" he worked for the Great Northern Railroad in Seattle and Everett. In 1941 Mel married Gladys Anderson and purchased a dairy farm on the Norman Road where they Happily lived until 1972. The sold the farm and moved to Stanwood and Mel soon after found that Mel was not ready for retirement. He then went to work for Twin City Foods in the " Farm Shop" for ten years. After retirement Mel volunteered at the Food Bank and Senior Center for many years and was proud to be named volunteer Man of the Year in 1993-94. During retirement he also enjoyed fishing, golf, bowling as well participating in a men's group called "OGT" (Old Guys Talking) Mel was a member of the Sons of Norway Lodge in Silvana and a lifelong member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Stanwood where, to the best of Knowledge, was the oldest and Longest member. One of his favorite activities wa the morning coffee group at Haggen foods where he help solve many of the worlds problems and kept current on local happenings with his group.

Mel is survived by his wife of 68 years Gladys, son and daughter-in-law David / Susan, daughter and son-in-law Norma/ Bill McCaleb,of Camano Island, daughter Lori Naas of Texas. He also leave three granddaughters; Jodi Naas of San Francisco, CA, Jill Naas of Seattle, Washington and Jenifer Naas/ Sean Stanley of Portland, Oregon. He also leaves
Three sister-in-law; Ella Larson of Stanwood, Ruth Johns of Seattle and Bonnie Naas of
Bellingham. Passing before Mel were his sister; sister Hazel and brother Donald Naas.
Mel was very proud of his family and a proud "Viking".

In Lieu of Flowers please make donations to The Stanwood Senior Center or Camano Animal Shelter, P.O.Box 1726, Stanwood, WA. 98292

Memorial service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday August 20, 2010 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Stanwood.

Private interment will be held in the Anderson Cemetery, Stanwood.

Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood.