Samuel Benjamin Melnick

Samuel Benjamin Melnick, 89 of Billings, passed away on April 29, 2007 at St. Vincent Healthcare. Sam was born in Billings, MT on October 19, 1917 to Louis and Ada Cohen Melnick. Sam has one brother Charles in Los Angeles and three daughters: Sandra Melnick Seitz (Robert) of Washington, DC, Sharon Kay Chinook (Robert) of Klamath Falls, Oregon, and Saralee Astle (Tom) of Sherman Oaks, CA, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents and son, Capt. Steven Melnick.

Sam attended school in Billings, MT and college at MSU and graduated from UM in Missoula. From 1926 until 1931 he was a member of Billings Rotary Boys Band, Julius Clavadetscher conductor and Lou Chappel sponsor. He worked for Midland National Bank in Billings later enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1942 and served his country in WWII and in 1950 he was called to the Korean War. He reached the rank of Major and was a Senior Pilot. On return from active duty he became the Commanding Officer of the Air Force Reserve Unit 9434 VAR Squadron in Billings. Following WWII Military service, he joined forces with his father in Real Estate, Finance, and Insurance Business until Sam retired in 1982.

Sam was very ambitious and always had a job during his youth. As an adult he gave back to his community by serving under four mayors on the Airport Commission. Sam contributed time and talent to the Boy Scouts while his son was active. He has always been supportive of Congregation Beth Aaron giving immeasurably of his time and expertise throughout his life. Sam was a Trustee of Billings Elks Lodge 394 for many years having joined in 1952 and was a life member.

Sam had multiple interests and enjoyed all people, but he loved flying and learned to fly in 1941 and amassed more than 10,000 hours and flew until 1992 when he sold his Beech Bonanza Plane. He also loved nature and enjoyed seeing all the areas by land that he once knew by air.

On July 4, 1980, Sam married Helen Love and gained three wonderful children: Tana Davis (Ed) of Billings, MT, Greg Love (Pam) of Post Falls, ID, Tim Love (Donna) of Seeley Lake, MT and their children. Contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Aaron, PO Box 187, Billings, MT 59103, or Billings Elks Memorial Fund or the Charity of your choice.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., on Friday, May 4, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Inurnment will follow at Congregation Beth Aaron Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at the Elk’s Lodge.