Melvin Sam Block

Longtime Colton resident, Melvin Block, died in Oregon City on August 15, 2021. He was 83. Melvin Sam Block was born June 5, 1938 in Portland, Oregon to Samuel and Mary (Huwa) Block. He was raised for a short time in Portland before the family purchased a farm in Colton. Melvin graduated from Benson Polytechnic in 1955. On January 23, 1958 he married Carolyne Barker. They made their home on the family farm and have lived there since. For most of his working career he worked for J.A. Freeman and Son in Portland as a parts man for almost 30 years. He then went to work for the Colton School District as a custodian. Melvin retired in 1999. He played the Hawaiian steel guitar in a band with friends for many years. He could play any instrument handed to him. Melvin enjoyed flyfishing, boating and being in the outdoors. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Carolyne; daughters, Nancy Gregg, Bonnie Lewis, Annmarie Obrist; sons, Jameson Block, Johnathan Block; sister, Darlene Barker of Elgin, OR; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.