Melvin D. Westlake, 69

God called Melvin David Westlake of Rathdrum home on June 23, 2012. He was born on Oct. 1, 1942, in Pomona, Calif., to David and Mildred Westlake. He grew up in Ontario and went to high school where he met the love of his wife, Sharlene. They were married Feb. 14, 1962. He worked for the Southern California Edison Co. until 1978 when the family moved to Post Falls. He retired from the Potlatch Corp. and then went to work for the North Kootenai Water District. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping and shooting. He was a devoted National Rifle Association benefactor member and very active in the Lake Country Friends of NRA Committee. He was active in the Hauser Lake Rod and Gun Club, conducting shooting clinics and competing himself. He loved singing in the church choir, helping people selflessly and loved his family more than anything. He is survived by his mother, Mildred (Post Falls), his wife, Sharlene, his daughter, Kristina Jackson (Three Forks, Mont.), his son, Mel and Heather Westlake, Jr. (Post Falls), sister, Carol and Ted Hiiva (Post Falls), grandchildren, Kassidy and Cole Jackson (Three Forks) and Amanda Westlake (Post Falls) and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 29, 2012, at Post Falls Community Church in Post Falls. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund. Bell Tower Funeral Home is in care of arrangments. Visit Mel’s online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.