Helge Melin

Helge Melin passed away in his home, August 8 2019 at the age of 88.  Helge was born March 7 1931 in Oslo Norway to Harald and Ella Melin.  He lived the majority of his life in Wilton CT.  Helge proudly served in the United States Army and was an airline pilot for 33 years.  He was predeceased by both his parents and his sister Bjorg Schiorn, and is survived by his two daughters Diane Melin and Nina Kalivas.  
His family will receive friends on Saturday, Aug 17, from 9-11 AM at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave, Norwalk. Burial with military honors will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Wilton. 

Today we take time to say good bye to my father. It’s impossible to sum him up in a series of adjectives.  So, I will not attempt that.  
One of my earliest memories of my dad is watching the nightly news.  This was the beginning of truly understanding how proud he was to be an American. He immigrated to the United States as a young man and never regretted his choice.  Throughout his life he often talked about how wonderful it was to live in a country with such possibilities.  This fierce patriotism was consistent and unwavering every day.  I always deeply respected this about my father.  
He was also an avid sports fan.  Ironically, he never attended professional sports events, but he would make it a point to follow the games, the teams and the players.  The New England Patriots, NY Mets and of course the UCONN girl’s basketball teams were always hot topics for my father.  He loved to see his teams win.  It is unfortunate the Mets were on that list.    
I also have many fond memories of working around the house and in the garden with my dad.  He loved his home and considered it one of his biggest achievements in life.  This was well illustrated in the later years with his insistence that he would remain living independently in his home.   As difficult as all this has been, I am happy that he got his wish and spent his final days and moments right where he wanted to be. 
He loved his family and friends.  This was not always illustrated in an outward manner.  And the love he provided was complex; not always easy.  But it was love none the less.  Despite the far distance between us, I know my father loved my sister Diane, my husband John and I.  He was especially close to and fond of his niece, Anniken Voss.  The loss of her a few years ago and my twin brother many decades ago, were deep scars on my fathers heart.  We are burying him here today so that he may lie with Ryan, as he always wished.  
Lastly, as you know, my father also loved his Manhattans.  He felt this was the quintessential American cocktail.  And he very well may be right.  I for one will raise a Manhattan and give one final toast to him tonight.  
May he rest in peace with those he loved who preceded him.