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Obituary for Melbourne Robert Githens
Melbourne Robert Githens
Nesika Beach resident Melbourne Robert Githens passed away on May 8, 2021 at the age of 85. He was born December 22, 1935 in Seaside, Oregon to Melbourne Lincoln and Rosalee Elizabeth (Morton) Githens.
Mel grew up in Portland, OR where he was involved in many activities. He played the organ at Oak Parks Skating Rink, was a member of the Portland Water Ski Club and was an airplane pilot. He even rebuilt a Piper airplane. He also served in the Army National Guard. He eventually moved to the Bay Area of California where he worked for A. T. & T. as a Communications Supervisor.
Mel was a member of many square dance clubs in California, and “Beachcombers” in Port Orford, OR. He taught round dancing for many years as a member of “Roundalab”. He was also a member of Spinnaker Yacht Club in San Leandro, CA and the Chetco Cove Yacht Club in Harbor, OR.
He was married November 12, 1988 in Livermore, CA to Betty Lee Hickerson. They retired to the Gold Beach area in 1996. In retirement he became a piano technician and belonged to the Piano Technician’s Guild (PTG) in California and Oregon. He was a member and examiner for Amateur Radio. His call sign was N7PQ. Always learning, he even converted a Chevy S10 pickup into an electrical vehicle.
He is survived by his wife Betty of Nesika Beach, son Jeff Githens & his wife Bonnie of Cougar, WA; son Greg Githens and his wife Barbara of Overland Park, KS; son Chis Githens of Santa Rosa, CA; son Dean Hickerson of Livermore, CA; son Peter Hickerson & his wife Sara of Post Falls, ID; daughter Cheryl Shanks of Overland Park, KS and daughter Patricia Medeiros and her husband Gary of Hayden, ID; also by a sister Susie Guy of Tigard, OR; as well as 16 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Rosalee Cross and Melbourne Githens, and a sister, Cheralee K. Chavez.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1137, Gold Beach, OR 97444. Redwood Memorial Chapel assisted the family.
