Melvin Hedum

Apr 20, 1948 -

Apr 25, 2023

Melvin Pierre Thomas Hedum was born on April 20, 1948, in Brussels, Belgium, to U.S. Army World War II veteran father Melvin Conrad Hedum and mother Violette Gemine. He arrived at Ellis Island, N.Y., on Dec. 7, 1949.

He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1973, with a degree in English literature. After moving to Alaska in the early 80s, he could be found bartending at many notable establishments around Anchorage or riding his beloved horse Princess on Lazy Mountain in Palmer.

He was a great listener and always enjoyed striking up a conversation with a new friend. He had four children in Alaska and spent years raising and supporting them as they pursued numerous passions which included owning horses, a dog team and cheering them on during season after season of sports.

Many of his last years were spent reading and writing. He was a poet, a scholar and a steadfast presence for his kids and grandkids. He loved his friends at the Vitus laundromat in Chugiak, Alaska, which he called his "church."

He is survived by his ex-wife and friend, Ruth Hedum; daughters, Anne Clark, Laura Hansen, Emily Misquitta and Jennifer Hedum; son, Dare Hedum; seven grandchildren; and brother, Jerry Hedum.

A celebration of life will be held at Legacy Heritage Chapel at Angelus in Anchorage on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to the Chugiak-Eagle River Senior Center Meals on Wheels program.