Eric Meldrum

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Eric Meldrum created a brilliant mosaic of memories filled with moments shared with his loved ones. He was a devoted father, but he just may have argued that becoming a grandfather was the best part of having children. Blessed to spend more than 50 years with the love of his life by his side, Eric experienced many of the best things that life has to offer. He was hardworking with just a little bit of spunk thrown in. Life will never be the same without Eric here, but the timeless legacy he leaves behind will be carried on by those who follow him.

The dark days of the 1930's were some of the most trying days we have ever faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, which drove the unemployment rate to more than 25 percent despite the best efforts of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s federal programs that were designed to offset the problems we faced. We celebrated what we could, however, and there was much to celebrate in the lives of a young couple from Bay City, Michigan, as they announced the birth of their first baby boy on August 1, 1939. Eric was one of three boys born to his parents, Clyde and Ethelyn Meldrum, and he was raised alongside his brothers, Gary and Randy.

For the most part Eric experienced an upbringing that was typical for the youth of his generation. He was a student at local schools, graduating from Visitation School in 1958. Eric also proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy.

Not to be forgotten during his years as a young man, was Eric’s introduction to the woman with whom he would share a lifetime of love. Her name was Judy Evelyn Pack, and after dating for a time the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Eric and his sweetheart were united in marriage on June 17, 1961, at Kawkawlin Community Church. Together they welcomed two sons into their hearts and home, Tim and Brian. Eric was a hard worker for many years and retired from Roy Thompson Enterprises in 2001.

Throughout his life Eric was a man of many interests. He was a member of Kawkawlin Community Church and member of the Saginaw Bay Barbershop Chorus. Eric enjoyed fishing, computers, and playing cards. Bowling was another favorite activity, and for years he bowled on the Masonic League with his sons and brother, Gary. He also bowled on a mixed league with Judy for many years. Eric especially loved playing Euchre, Hand & Foot, and the game he invented that he called “Two by Two.” He also enjoyed camping with his family and friends for many years at both Forest Lake and Lake Margrethe near Grayling.

Eric on several occasions, told his sons that he would love to skydive, so they saw his 60th birthday as the perfect time to make this dream a reality - and it became one of the most memorable experiences of Eric’s life. His sons went out of the plane first with Eric being the last to jump. Family and friends were on the ground at the site to share this memorable day. The jumpers were told that if they could hang onto their rip cord, they could keep it. When all had landed safely, Eric's sons asked him how he managed to keep hold of the cord throughout the jump....., Eric was quick to say that it wasn’t difficult since his arms weren’t long enough to completely pull the cord in the first place!

During their retirement years, Eric and Judy enjoyed spending winters in Harlington Texas at Pasada Del Sol Park, where his active lifestyle continued. There, he was in charge of Saturday night at the movies, making the popcorn, helping with Bingo every other Tuesday, and setting up for Sunday Chapel. Eric also loved making toasted tomato sandwiches. When back at home Eric attended as many of his grandchildren's events that he could.

With unending love for his family, Eric Meldrum made the most of the days he was given. He was never one to shy away from hard work, yet he also knew how to relax and enjoy life. He and Judy cruised Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and most recently, the Panama Canal. Eric's wealth was built on relationships, sharing his days with his family and friends, and making memories with those he cared about. His main focus along his entire life’s journey was enjoying the family and friends God had blessed him with. He will be dearly missed while his memory is cherished forever.

Eric Meldrum passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2013. Eric’s family includes his wife, Judy; two children, Tim (Ann) Meldrum of Muskegon, MI and Brian (LaRae) Meldrum of Bay City; 5 grandchildren, Zach Meldrum, Rachael Meldrum, Kylie Meldrum, Jacob Meldrum, Jade (Caroline) Dowdy; mother, Al Meldrum (Jole Cole); brother, Randy Meldrum; and many nieces and nephews. Eric was predeceased by his brother, Gary Meldrum; father and mother in law, Toni and Mildred Pack; and his father, Clyde Meldrum. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Kawkawlin Community Church with Pastor David Dunn officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Bay City Veteran’s Council. The family will receive friends at the Hyatt Ewald Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 11, 2013, from 2-4 p.m. & 5-8 p.m., and at church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Those considering an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Kawkawlin Community Church or the American Diabetes Association. To sign online guestbook, visit www.hyattewald.com. Arrangements made with Hyatt Ewald Funeral Home.