Melvyn Edward Cate, 89, died at his home in Coupeville on April 2, 2004. He was born in Weiser, Idaho, on May 6, 1914, to Craig Edward and Blanche (Nesline) Cate. He was raised in the Portland area, during the Great Depression. He traveled with his father and then his stepfather in search of work.

Mr. Cate joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as a young man, building camps and clearing the land. Prior to World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving at Fort Lewis, Astoria, Ore., and Texas. He was married to the former Lorna Doone Piper on Jan. 3, 1942, at Tenino.

Following his military service, Mr. Cate worked at the shipyards in San Diego and then set out for Seattle. He found work in a service station and then began a career as a shipping clerk. He worked for a manufacturer of aluminum construction parts and then for the Union Paper Box Company, Stoneway Containers and Union Die and Containers, retiring in the early 1980’s.

The Cates moved to Coupeville and first settled in the Smuggler’s Cove area and then Coupeville. They opened Cove’s Gifts, which they operated for 20 years. Mr. Cate was an avid stamp collector. He also enjoyed gardening and his grandchildren. He was very attached to his Pekinese dog, Regis.

Mr. Cate is survived by his wife Lorna at the family home, Coupeville; and by one son and daughter-in-law, Nicholas and Connie Cate, also of Coupeville. Two grandchildren, Amanda S.W. Hilton and husband Bradley of Chehalis and Caleb K. Cate of Coupeville and two sisters, Millie Goldsmith of Portland, Ore., and Myrna Haftorson of King City, Ore., also survive.

Mr. Cate requested no formal funeral services be conducted. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow at a later date.