Melvin L. Tenney

Sanford, MaineMelvin Leland Tenney, 47, of Sanford, passed away June 11, 2002 after suffering a long illness.He was born in Rumford, Maine on July 12, 1954, he was the son of Melvin and Lois Vandandecovan Tenney, Sr.Mr. Tenney was a lifetime member of The VFW 9935 of Sanford. He served as commander three consecutive terms and had just been voted commander again this spring. He was All State Commander 1997-98. He was also canteen manager of the post. Mr. Tenney also served as Quartermaster for two years.He was a United States Army Veteran and served in Korea. Mel was a self-employed building contractor for many years and one of his many accomplishments was the reconstruction of the VFW kitchen and upstairs hall.He loved his Harley and had rebuilt several. He loved animals and nature and his two cats Pywacket and Sage. Mr. Tenney was a mountain of a man and will be truly missed by those who loved him.He is survived by his wife of 18 years Karen Kimball Tenney of Sanford; children Melvin Tenney (Lee) III of Nevada, a daughter Chrystal Tenney of New York and a stepdaughter Laurie Smith of Sanford; his mother Lois Gahm of Breman, Maine; his father Melvin Tenney Sr., of Naples, Maine and his step mom Jeanne; a brother Mark Tenney of Gorham; sisters Teresa of Standish and Elizabeth of Montana; a niece Felicia of Oregon; two nephews Damion and Philip pf Portland, Maine and also two grandsons.Relatives and friends are invited to a gathering on Saturday from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Heald Funeral Home 580 Main Street, Springvale, Maine, where a Veterans of Foreign War service will be held at 3:45 PM on Saturday. If desired, donations may be made in his memory to The Animal Welfare Society P.O. Box 43 Old Holland Rd. W. Kennebunk, ME. 04094-0043.