Melby has been giving back for more than 40 years

Columbia Falls Volunteer Steve Melby has been giving back to the community for more than 40 years.

Melby is a Columbia Falls native — moving here from Kalispell in 1965 when his father, Lawrence Melby, opened a furniture store on Nucleus Avenue where the Flathead Industries Thrift Store is today.

Melby said he gained his community service ethic through his father and his mother, Jeanie. Both were very active in the community for decades. Over the years his father was a school board member, a Jaycee, a city councilman and a volunteer with the ambulance.

Mom helped in a variety of organizations as well, including annual cancer research fundraisers and many other civic organizations.

Steve joined the Columbia Falls Lions Club in 1980 and credits the leadership of Roland Cheek and sponsor Matt “Mutt” Mateka for their leadership in the early years.

Back then the club was not just a civic organization, it was also a gathering place for business leaders as the town had several lumber mills and the aluminum plant going full tilt, he recalled.

There were a few lean years for the club as the industries faded over time, but today it’s a vibrant organization, with more than 30 members, Melby said. He’s held every position in the club over his tenure, save for secretary, he said.

Today the club supports a host of community events and projects, including the annual easter egg hunt, a school supply backpack program for disadvantaged students, eyeglasses for folks who can’t afford prescriptions, food drives for the food bank, support of Boogie to the Bank, local Scout Troops, the annual Night of Lights Parade and a summer concert series at Marantette Park, just to name a few.

The club’s major fundraiser is the operation of the Bitterroot Lions Youth Camp on Bitterroot Lake. The camp is a joint effort by the Columbia Falls Lions, The Sunriser Lions and Kalispell Lions, he said. The camp, which can host large groups, has been so successful it’s booked into 2027, he noted.

“It’s in high demand,” Melby said.

He said he gets great enjoyment out of volunteering with the Lions. The Easter egg hunt and hosting Bingo at the Veterans Home are particularly fun, he said.

“Just seeing the expression on their faces,” is a great reward, he said.

The club, now in its 71st year, is always looking for new members.

It meets the first and third Thursday at noon at the Back Room of the Nite Owl except in June, July and August.

Interested folks can attend a meeting or contact Melby directly at (406) 249-5547.

Melby followed in his father’s footsteps and had furniture stores in Columbia Falls for decades. He retired a few years ago. His lives with his wife, Debbie and they have a grown son, Jeff, who lives in New York City in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Jeff has a very successful career in international marketing.