Logging Innovator Michael Scott Melcher Dies In Oregon

Way too soon, Sweet Home, Ore. logger Michael Scott Melcher passed away on August 28 at the age of 59. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Wendi, sons Nathaniel and Christopher and their wives and four grandchildren, parents Michael and Glenda Melcher, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Robbie in 2010.

A graduate of Sweet Home High School and Oregon State University, Melcher joined the family logging business in 1991. Through hard work and innovation, he and his family built the company into a success and the operation is noted as a major innovator: Melcher Logging is considered the first company in the state to invest in cut-to-length logging equipment and bring the processed and forwarded timber concept to western Oregon. Melcher Logging was Associated Oregon Loggers’ 2010 Logger of the Year, and was honored by the American Tree Farm system as Tree Farmer of the Year. Melcher also served a rare two-year term as Oregon Logging Conference President in 2021 and 2022, providing solid leadership during the pandemic.

A memorial in Sweet Home drew more than 700 people to honor Melcher, who was a major community figure and supporter. Christopher recited a heartbreaking and beautiful poem about his father and a life cut short. Nate told those in attendance that “Growing up, I always looked up to my dad and wanted to follow in his footsteps. . .Logging was more than just a job to my dad,” he added, “it was his passion. Over the years, he made a lot of connections, friends in all fields of the industry, and truly I believe he thought we are all one big family.” Nate noted, “If we could learn or take anything away from dad, it would be that we are all in this together. We are a small piece of the big puzzle and the more we can support each other in this industry, the better off we will be.”