Melvin Grant Koford

Melvin Grant Koford, 71, of Tracy, California passed away on April 20th at 5:00pm at Davis Hospital in Layton, Utah after complications from pneumonia. He was born June 2, 1946 in Los Angeles, California, a son of Dell Koford and Naomi Tingey Koford. Melvin graduated from Inglewood High School and worked for Oroweat Foods in Montebello, California before serving a two year mission for the LDS church in the British South mission from 1965 to 1967. Upon returning, he went back to work for Oroweat and attended El Camino College from 1968 to 1970. In 1968, he married Diane Berger of Torrance, California in the Los Angeles LDS Temple. They lived in Inglewood and Cypress, California before moving to Riverside in 1975, where they raised their children.  He earned his Associates Degree from Riverside Community College in 1991. He ultimately worked his way up to sanitation manager for Oroweat, relocating in 1997 to Tracy, California to work at the South San Francisco Oroweat bakery, and finally leaving the company in 2005, a career spanning almost 40 years. He was known for helping the bakery pass multiple inspections over the years and for his meticulous attention to detail. He closed out his career working for Clark Pest Control in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Mel was a devoted lifelong member of the LDS church and served in many volunteer positions over the years. He particularly loved the scouting program. Melvin was an avid camper, completed Wood Badge training (Raven Patrol), and attended training at Philmont Scout Ranch in 1984. He served a long line of scouts, many of whom went on to become Eagles. Even in retirement he served on scouting committees and was always ready to offer insights and help to young men and leaders.

Melvin was a devoted husband and father, and considered his scouts to be part of his extended family. He remained in touch with many of them throughout his life. He is survived by his beloved wife Diane of forty-nine years, three sons and one daughter: Brent Koford of Mount Airy, Maryland; Adam Koford of Farmington, Utah; Timothy Koford of Visalia, California; and Amber Koford of Westminster, California. Also surviving are two brothers: James Koford and George Koford. Melvin has 12 grandchildren, whom he adored.

Melvin was beloved for his fun sense of humor that he passed on to his children. After moving to the Bay Area, he became a fan of the San Francisco Giants and loved following the team. He enjoyed road trips to Utah to visit family and friends. He doted over his grandchildren and loved watching them grow up, even from afar.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 26, 2018 in the LDS Somerset Chapel at 1885 Summer Wood Drive in Farmington, Utah. Viewing to begin at 9:45am with services to follow at 11am. Interment will be at 2:30pm in the Brigham City, Utah cemetery. A separate memorial service will be held on May 5, 2018 in Tracy, California at the Wilkinson LDS Chapel located at 27150 Wilkinson Way, at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Melvin Koford Memorial Fund on https://www.gofundme.com/melvinkoford to help defray the cost of his extensive hospital stay and funeral expenses.