Obituary: Harold Melby was a legend at Groveland Elementary
By Tim Harlow, Star Tribune (Minneapolis) | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
"He had leadership skills and the ability to bring people together for the common good of kids," said Groveland's current principal,
Melby died in July at
Melby was born in
Melby arrived at
The insurance industry's loss was Groveland's gain. Melby taught sixth grade until 1953 when he was promoted to principal, a position he held until he retired in 1981. He loved interacting with parents and teachers and encouraging students.
"Harold was my personal hero, and the hero of the underdog kids like me and others who lacked self-confidence to assert ourselves in sports and on life's playing fields," said former student
On Saturdays he made sure the gym at the K-8 school was open so kids had a place to play basketball.
"He just loved children," said
In retirement, Melby continued to support Groveland. He helped plan the school's 150th anniversary celebration; contributed to the book, "Celebrate Groveland: 150 Years of Learning," and helped bring an inclusive playground to the school. "Groveland was his second family, and he never quit giving," Parker said.
Melby was president of the
A strong man of faith, Melby was chairman of the building committee when
He was never shy about showing off his Norwegian heritage, said
Besides his wife, Melby is survived by three sons, Stuart, of
A memorial service will be held at
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