Mel Oberman, 88, passed away September 14, 2026, from cancer. He was born in 1937 to Leonard and Iva Oberman in Myrtle Point, OR. He was one of 4 siblings and attended a one-room schoolhouse in Dora, OR. Later the family moved to Lowell, OR where he graduated from high school.

Mel served in the US Army from 1962-1966 and spent two of those years in Japan as a Morse Code Translator. He graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Fine Arts, and taught art for the Job Corp. Mel and his partner, Vic, lived in Portland for several years and restored old houses. He eventually retired from the US Postal Service. They returned to Eugene in 2001 and remodeled an older home near the UO campus. His life with Vic, his home and his large yard were like “heaven on earth” he often said.

Mel enjoyed gardening, camping, art, reading and was an avid artifact collector. Many say his home was like a museum with artifacts from all over the world. He knew the history of each piece and loved talking about them. One of his favorite places was sitting by the koi pond he built in his backyard.

Mel is survived by his sister-in-law Mary Oberman; Myrna Ann’s children, Diann Prenevost and Judy Brown; Marilyn’s children, Steve Parker, Barbara Carter, Kathy Derig and Linda Downey; Mike’s children, Dan Oberman and Sara Horeth; Vic’s sister, Sandra Austin and her children; and his close friend, Beth Schenderlein.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his partner of 49 years, Victor Sabin, and his 3 siblings, Myrna Pontrelli, Marilyn Carter and Michael Oberman. His nephew, Doug Brown, passed two weeks prior.

Arrangements by Andreason’s Cremation and an ash burial at Eugene Masonic Cemetery. Special thanks to the staff at Willamette Valley Cancer Center, Brighton Hospice and BrightStar.