Melvin James "Mel" Pasta, 94, passed away June 7, 2014, at Generations Assisted Living and Wellness Home in Rathdrum, Idaho. 

Mel was born October 11, 1919, in Trail, British Columbia, and moved to Butte, Mont., in 1924. Mel was the oldest of four children born to James and Edith Pasta. 

After a series of moves, which included Idaho, Montana, and Washington, the Pasta family resided in Kellogg, Idaho, where Mel completed his secondary education. Mel was an outstanding trumpet player, playing in the Kellogg High School band while still in junior high school. 

Mel moved back to Butte after graduating from school, and worked as a mine lift operator until receiving his draft notification in February 1941. He entered the Army on April 9, 1941. Mel was selected for the Army Band at Fort Lewis, Wash. It was during one of the Army band engagements in Wenatchee, Wash., that Mel met the love of his life, Betty. 

In February 1942, Mel was selected for Officer Candidate School (OCS), and received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in October 1942. Mel married his sweetheart on April 12, 1944, and soon after left for Germany. 

Mel served 30 years in the U.S. Army and retired as a Colonel. He served under General Patton at the Battle of the Bulge. Mel was an Artillery Officer, and also served in Military Intelligence after the Korean War and during the Vietnam War. In 1973, Mel was selected to the OCS Hall of Fame at Fort Sill Army post in Lawton, Okla. Upon his retirement, he and Betty lived in the Sacramento area where Mel was appointed by Governor Ronald Reagan to the office of Science and Technology. 

From 1976 to 1992, Mel volunteered with the Audubon Society in Northern California. Mel and Betty retired to the Pacific Northwest in 1992. 

Mel was an active member of his community, participating in men’s bible study with Spirit Lake Presbyterian Church, and hosting a July 4th gala each year at Twin Lakes Village. He was the driving force behind stocking the 15th hole pond with trout, and providing ongoing maintenance. Mel also oversaw the design and construction of the waterfall feature on the 15th hole. 

Mel was a friend to all. 

Mel was preceded in death by his wife and lifelong sweetheart, Betty, in 2008; parents, James and Edith, and his siblings. He is survived by his son, James, and his daughter, Teresa; five grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

Prior to his death, Mel told a friend, “I have no intention of resting in peace; I will be dancing with my wife for all eternity.”

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, July 26, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, Idaho, with a reception following the service. Please visit Mel’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.