Melvin Gribble

Melvin was born on the home place at Harpster on April 6, 1925, to Andrew and Rose Gribble. Andrew died when Melvin was 15, and he became the man of the family for the next two years. At 17, he was called from a fire by Uncle Sam. He traveled to Spokane, WA and joined the Marine Corps. His unit fought on the island of Okinawa, where he was wounded. He was awarded two purple hearts ands pent six months in the Naval Hospital at Pearl Harbor.

After he mustered out, he came home and eloped with long time girlfriend Eileen Kidder on July 22, 1946. Melvin began a logging career that lasted until 1964, when he went to work at Ida-Pine Mills for Arley Haener. In 1973, he was called to help tear down the Zellner sawmill at Kooskia, and helped engineer and build the Clearwater Forest Industries Mill, at the behest of long-time friend, Bob Warren. In March of 1980, Melvin was injured on the job and his injuries retired him at age 55. Melvin had worked in the woods for Everett Cox, Potlatch Forest Industries, Pierson Logging Co, and numerous other gyppo loggers. Oldest son Bob was born April 5, 1948. Younger son, Jim, was born June 7, 1959.

His great passion was hunting elk and deer, and he taught his sons how to hunt and fish, along with other skills that we still use today. Having to be in the Veterans home in Lewiston didn't set well with him, but he knew he couldn't live alone anymore. Earlier this year, he began the decline that ended his battle of life. So long for now, Dad. We'll meet again in Heaven.