ForeverMissed
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Tributes
March 18
Another year and I'm still missing my good buddy lots. They say time heals all wounds but that's not 100% true. What a wonderful few years we shared together with families, friends, students, and athletes. Sure wish we could have toasted a couple of beers yesterday or even today. Loved my pal!! 
July 21, 2023
July 21, 2023
Mr. Thake was my football coach, teacher and role model in Bonn West Germany during the years 1974 through 1977. Next May the high school Mr. Thake taught at, Bonn American High School, will have a reunion and that prompted me to recall with joy my time with Mr. Thake. Mr. Thake was so nice to me, forgiving my adolescent indiscretions and gently showing me the difference between being a man and a boy. I wish Mr. Thake was here to receive my gratitude.
February 10, 2023
February 10, 2023
Another year without my good buddy to hang with or at least chat and laugh a bit. The years we spent together traveling, coaching winning teams, watching your family grow, skiing, doing photography and darkroom work, shared meals, it was all so good and so appreciated. Sure do miss you, Mel. You were one of the best who left us way, way too young. Love you, bud. 
February 9, 2023
February 9, 2023
My condolences to his family. I was in Mel Thake's cabin at Kroehler YMCA camp in Hayward, Wisconsin in like 1963. He stepped in for me when I was having problems with a bully (which I later resolved to my own satisfaction). I remember how excited all the kids in our cabin were when we got to see him participate in the lumberjack festival. I still have a signed piece of wood.
March 18, 2022
March 18, 2022
You are in my thoughts so often, my brother. Never forgotten in this home and always in my mind. Brother David sends the same sentiments. Rest in peace. We lost you too soon, but you taught us so much. Love you. 
March 18, 2020
March 18, 2020
Time passes so quickly and i still can't believe Mel has been gone for so many years. Still missed to be sure. Still remembered to be sure. Still loved to be sure. So many memories of golden years shared. He would be so proud of his wife's journey helping foreign students and of course his two wonderful kids in their lives moving forward. We don't have a handle on the future, but we can certainly celebrate and never forget those dear souls who have touched us with so much heart along the way. Love you, Mel!
October 3, 2019
October 3, 2019
Another year has passed since we lost Mel. His memory will never leave me because he was such an amazing person and such a fabulous friend. We were like two peas in a pod for some years, worked together, coached together, socialized together, laughed together, and just hung out.  I miss my good buddy, but thankfully I am in touch with Barb, whom I love as well.
October 3, 2018
October 3, 2018
Mel was one in a million, a great buddy of mine, and I miss him very much. Such a fun, happy, positive man with a wonderful wife and kids. He left us much too early. I just feel blessed that we shared so many fabulous times together. Hugs for Barb.
October 3, 2017
October 3, 2017
I think of Mel often when I think of my Metcalf days! I also think of him as Steve starts hunting season this year.
Mel you are missed by many! Hard to believe you have been gone so long!
April 14, 2016
April 14, 2016
I feel so good for the many years of friendship with Mel Thake  Hunting fishing vacation & his family.   It seems like only yesterday. Our last walk in the timber.  Bob
March 22, 2016
March 22, 2016
It has been 10 years since you have been gone. I will never stop thinking of what our life would have been like. I will always love and miss you.
March 22, 2016
March 22, 2016
I remember Mel loving his family, life and the great outdoors. I enjoyed teaching with him at Metcalf. I know he is missed by many people.
March 22, 2016
March 22, 2016
I will never forget talking w him in the Mennonite hospital cafeteria about his success as a log roller. He said he was world champion log roller once. Knowing he liked to kid, I said "oh sure, Mel!" Well he pulled a card from his wallet that said "World Champion!" That time he wasn't kidding!
I also know he lived his family so much and they, him. I continue to feel so sad that he died so young. But I do know he's log rolling in heaven !!!
March 22, 2016
March 22, 2016
Mel was one of my all-time best buddies. We coached and taught together, played bball together, traveled together, and I watched his young family grow up during the few years we were in Bonn, Germany. He is missed terribly. I send love and best wishes to Barb and the rest of his family.
March 22, 2016
March 22, 2016
I lived next door to the Thake's for many years. My best friend was his daughter, Mary Beth. I will never forget the smell of his cigar. I remember going through the garage to go inside to play with Mary Beth and seeing deer hanging upside down with blood dripping. I remember Mel having me and Mary Beth smell the urine he used for hunting. I just couldn't understand why he would rub that on himself! Mel was a really good photographer and I have pictures of me that he had taken. He was a very kind man. I can't believe he has been gone for 10 years. I send all my love to his family.

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