Henry James Melusky

Henry J. “Hank” Melusky passed away peacefully after a long illness on January 10, 2005. Henry was born to Andrew J. and Miriam L. (Bradbury) Melusky on June 2, 1924, in Bremerton. Henry graduated from Roosevelt High School (Seattle) in 1942 and thereafter attended the University of Washington where he played football (right end) for the Huskies. He also participated in the Naval R.O.T.C. program and ultimately graduated with a degree in education in 1948. Henry was active duty with the U.S. Navy from 1945 (when he was commissioned as an ensign) until 1946 (when he was honorably discharged as a lieutenant, j.g.) For his service, he received the World War II Victory Medal. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, along with his father and two brothers. Armed with his degree, Henry moved to Olympia in 1948 where he obtained employment as an educator at Olympia High School. He remained at Olympia High School, teaching mathematics and influencing thousands of young minds, until his retirement in 1986. During his summers from 1954 to 1969 he worked at The Olympia Brewery in the Bottlehouse. Henry married Margaret “Jo” O’Connor in 1948. Jo passed away in 1962. Their daughter Susie was born in 1953. Susie and her husband David Orr live in Mukilteo, Washington. On August 21, 1965, Henry married Beverly Burcham who survives. Beverly had four children of her own that survive; Randall (Joan) Burcham of Olympia, Sally (Burcham) Schmitt of Bozeman, Montana, Jon (Stephanie) Burcham of Spokane and Robin (Gary) Slater of Federal Way. Also surviving are two dear brothers, Thomas Melusky of Pebble Beach, California and Joseph (Anne) Melusky of Denver, Colorado. A second daughter, Jennifer, was born to Henry and Beverly in 1969. Jennifer and her husband, Jonathan, live in Shoreline, Washington. In addition, Henry is survived by eight grandchildren, Todd, Caralee, Sarah, Megan, Kelsie, Mitchell, Colin and Erin; also four great grandchildren, Lily, Sophie, Katelyn and Alyssa; along with many dear friends and relations. Henry was an avid boater, fisherman, gardener and cook, an ardent reader and traveler and a loyal fan of several local sports teams. He was a man of many talents, abilities and passions. His presence will be sorely missed and his memory will endure for generations to come. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a scholarship fund at Olympia Federal Savings established in Henry’s memory for the benefit of math students at Olympia High School. Checks should be sent c/o Robin Slater, P.O. Box 23148, Federal Way WA 98093.