Melvin J. Stever

West Fairlee, Vt. — Melvin J. Stever died Wednesday, April 26, 2017, very peacefully at home surrounded by family; following a courageous battle of pancreatic cancer for six years. Melvin was born in Hanover, N.H. at MHMH on Dec. 19, 1941, the son of Harold C. and Beatrice P. Stever. He was a 1959 graduate of Bradford Academy. That year the Bradford Academy Admirals won the Division State I basketball championship. Melvin played center at 6’5”.

Melvin was a member of the Holstein Friesian Association in Brattleboro, Vt. He was also the president of the Corinth Dairy Herd Improvement Association, and was a transporter of livestock for 30 years. For many years he was a selectman for the town of West Fairlee, alongside his good friend and neighbor Maurice Eaton Sr. On July 13, 1963, he married Shirley Bean Stever. In 1964 they moved to their beautiful dairy farm on Middlebrook Road where he raised holstein cattle.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Shirley B. Stever of 53 years; his son, Kevin J, and Lori; their children, Lacey, Mikayla, and Garrett of Fairlee, Vt.; son, Peter A. and Dawn; their children, Chelsey and Cole of West Fairlee; sister-in-law, Martina D. Stever of Bradford, Vt.; Earl and Nancy Bean of Saratoga, N.Y., Charlotte L. Bishop and Joe of Woodsville, N.H., Diddy Bean, Penny Hodge, John and Pam Bean, all of Bradford; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by an infant daughter, Hanna Bea; his parents; a sister, Joan S. Bednarski; and brother, Bruce H. Stever.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 2 p.m., at their home overlooking the farm and pond, two of his favorite places: 1931 Middlebrook Rd. Fairlee Vt.

Arrangements are under the direction of Boardway & Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea Vermont.

There will be no calling hours.

A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com.