Melvin Charles Wardrip

December 11, 1944 – August 12, 2026

Melvin Charles Wardrip passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 81, leaving behind a family he loved, a lifetime of hard work, and more than a few stories worth telling.

Melvin was born on December 11, 1944, in Kamiah, Idaho, to Dewey Vincent Wardrip and Opal Clara Meyers. One of eight children, Melvin learned the meaning of responsibility at an extraordinarily young age. At just 13 years old, he began working in the woods to help support his family. What began out of necessity became a lifelong career and something at which Melvin was exceptionally skilled.

While still a young man, Melvin created Wardrip Logging and built it into a successful business. He became known for his remarkable ability to fall timber exactly where he intended it to go—even when houses, roads and power lines left little room for error. He worked in the woods for most of his life and apparently never became particularly interested in the idea of retirement. Melvin continued working until he was 78 years old.

His love of wood and working with his hands continued beyond logging. Later in life, Melvin bought a sawmill and, alongside his son Brian and daughter Pam, milled logs into lumber and created beautiful, handcrafted tables.

Melvin also loved restoring classic cars, but perhaps his greatest love story began in September 1966, when he married Judith. Together, Melvin and Judith built a life and a marriage that lasted just shy of 60 years. For the last 25 years, they made their home in Junction City, Oregon.

Together, Melvin and Judith raised six children: Nancy Hargiss, Pamela Bolden, Tammy (Bill) Henriksen, Lisa Wardrip, Bradley Wardrip, and Brian Wardrip. Their family continued to grow to include 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

And somewhere between raising six children, building a business and working in the woods, Melvin and Judith found time to dance—and they were very good at it.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Opal; his son, Bradley Wardrip; and six of his seven siblings. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judith; his children Nancy, Pamela, Tammy, Lisa and Brian; 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Cathy Montgomery.

Services — September 4, 2026

A viewing will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Andreason’s Funeral Home, 320 6th Street, Springfield, Oregon.

Following the viewing, Melvin will make his final journey in the bed of his beloved 1951 Studebaker, driven by his son Brian. Melvin and Brian restored the Studebaker together, making it a fitting final ride.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Rest Lawn Memorial Park, 94335 Territorial Highway, Junction City, Oregon, and will be officiated by longtime family pastor Brian Cuff.

Farewell Party — September 19, 2026

A Farewell Party for Melvin will be held on September 19, 2026, at the home of his niece, Colleen Grueffe. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, laugh, remember Melvin, and raise a final toast to him with his drink of choice — Black Velvet.

Additional details will be announced.

After a lifetime spent working hard, loving his family, building things meant to last and rarely sitting still, Melvin has finally retired.